The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has approved fisheries development proposals worth ₹1,301.18 crore for Odisha under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme, with a central share of ₹484.64 crore. This funding covers various interventions to strengthen the fisheries and aquaculture value chain in the state.
Key projects include the establishment of an Integrated Aqua Park at Basantapur, Sambalpur with a project cost of ₹100 crore, approved in January 2025. According to state government reports, preparatory works such as land procurement, issuance of letter of intent to the executing agency, and construction of approach roads and boundary walls have been completed. Construction of in-house hatchery facilities, grow-out ponds, processing units, research facilities, and effluent treatment plants are at various stages of completion.
Additionally, the department has approved the construction of a State of Art Wholesale Fish Market at Pandara, Bhubaneswar with a total project cost of ₹59.13 crore. The market will comprise 44 wholesale units and 99 retail units, featuring modern sustainability elements including renewable-energy-based power systems and rainwater harvesting infrastructure. The land reclamation stage for this project has been completed as reported by the Odisha government.
The Government of India has extended the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility to fishers and fish farmers since FY 2018-19 to ensure timely and affordable working capital. The Department of Fisheries collaborates with the Department of Financial Services and engages with all States/UTs and State Level Bankers' Committees to raise awareness about KCC benefits.
The Odisha government conducts regular awareness programs through Matsya O Pranee Sampad Melas and fishermen meetings at district, block, and village levels. The state provides an additional interest subvention of 4% for loans up to ₹1.00 lakh and 2% for loans above ₹1.00 lakh up to ₹3.00 lakh, making KCC loans interest-free up to ₹1.00 lakh and reducing the effective interest rate to 2% for loans between ₹1.00 lakh and ₹3.00 lakh.