Why in The News?

India aims to establish the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a tuna export hub, following the Department of Fisheries' announcement of a Tuna Cluster in the region under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

About PMMSY

• It is a flagship scheme for focused and sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the country as a part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
• Nodal Ministry: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries.
• Investment and Duration: An estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crores for a period of 5 years from financial year (FY) 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories.
• Components: The scheme has two components — Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
• Other significant Features:
  • The scheme Adopt ‘Cluster or Area-based Approaches’ and create fisheries clusters through backward and forward linkages.
  • It focuses especially on employment generation activities such as seaweed and ornamental fish cultivation