The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has reported significant progress in forming women-led fisheries cooperatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). In Andhra Pradesh alone, 213 women-led coastal cooperative societies have been established between 1st April 2021 and 15th June 2026, specifically focused on fisheries, seaweed cultivation, and marine processing activities. These cooperatives have benefited 27,447 women across 12 districts, with Krishna district having the highest number of cooperatives (42) and beneficiaries (6,197), followed by Bapatla (34 cooperatives, 4,332 beneficiaries) and Kakinada (32 cooperatives, 2,409 beneficiaries).
The government is implementing several measures to promote women-led fisheries cooperatives nationwide. Registered cooperatives on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) are eligible for performance grants of up to ₹2 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY). Women-led cooperatives receive priority in obtaining Access Passes for fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone and Letters of Authorization for High Seas fishing. To facilitate greater participation, the application and renewal fee for Letters of Authorization has been substantially reduced from ₹25,000 to ₹5,000.
As part of broader Blue Economy initiatives, the National Fisheries Development Board has formulated an action plan to establish 12,000 fisheries cooperatives across uncovered panchayats and villages, including women-led coastal societies. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Saha-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub-scheme of PMMSY, specifically aims to strengthen 5,500 Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies through mentoring, capacity building, and need-based financial support.
District-wise Breakdown of Women-Led Cooperatives:
- Krishna: 42 cooperatives, 6,197 beneficiaries
- Bapatla: 34 cooperatives, 4,332 beneficiaries
- Kakinada: 32 cooperatives, 2,409 beneficiaries
- Prakasam: 17 cooperatives, 1,516 beneficiaries
- Vizianagaram: 17 cooperatives, 567 beneficiaries
- Srikakulam: 14 cooperatives, 824 beneficiaries
- Tirupati: 16 cooperatives, 1,547 beneficiaries
- Visakhapatnam: 10 cooperatives, 1,208 beneficiaries
- SPSR Nellore: 9 cooperatives, 4,428 beneficiaries
- West Godavari: 9 cooperatives, 2,653 beneficiaries
- Anakapalli: 7 cooperatives, 1,334 beneficiaries
- Konaseema: 6 cooperatives, 432 beneficiaries