To engineer an effective implementation of Aquaculture Crop Insurance scheme for Shrimp and Fish under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme, the Department of Fisheries, part of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, organized a crucial meeting. Chaired by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, the Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, the gathering aimed to address and understand the technical challenges associated with the Aquaculture Crop Insurance scheme.
The meeting, attended by Joint Secretaries of the Department of Fisheries, Chief Executive of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), senior officials from insurance companies, Department of Finance Services (DFS), Central Institute of Brackish Water Aquaculture (CIBA), and State/UT government officials, served as a platform for collaborative discussions.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi underscored the importance of identifying gaps and fostering concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure the benefits of Aquaculture crop insurance reach all eligible fishers. He emphasized the need for enhanced understanding of insurance concepts among stakeholders and proposed training sessions on Best Management Practices to strategically implement the Insurance scheme.
Dr. L. Murthy, Chief Executive of NFDB, provided an overview of the pilot-scale insurance scheme for shrimp and freshwater fish in flood-prone areas of Andhra Pradesh and other regions across the country.
Ms. Neetu Prasad, Joint Secretary (Marine Fisheries), suggested the establishment of a governing structure aligned with the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) as a crucial aspect to consider.
Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), presented a brief on a pilot project for Aquaculture Crop Insurance covering both fish and shrimp crops under PMMSY. He highlighted Best Management Practices in aquaculture shrimp farming and stressed the need for managing risks faced by marginalized farmers through crop insurance.
The meeting concluded with an open discussion involving various agencies. Clarifications were sought on practical and on-the-ground issues, and agencies provided insightful suggestions and feedback for the successful implementation of the scheme, including the development of new insurance products.
