MPEDA Financial Assistance Schemes for Aquaculture Societies
MPEDA provides targeted subsidies and support for both individual farmers and registered aquaculture societies to adopt sustainable practices, boost yields, and improve cold chain infrastructure:
– Cluster Farming & Society Support: MPEDA promotes cluster farming through the formation of aqua farmers welfare societies via its dedicated agency, the National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture (NaCSA). This helps small-scale farmers aggregate their produce, gain access to better technology, and secure remunerative prices.
– Better Management Practices (BMP): Offers financial assistance covering up to 50% of the capital cost (max. ₹5 Lakh) for installing bio-security infrastructures. For SC/ST beneficiaries, this assistance increases to 75% of the capital cost (max. ₹7.5 Lakh)
– Farm Infrastructure & Handling: Subsidizes the creation of hygienic shrimp handling facilities and bio-toilets on farms. General category farmers can receive up to 50% of admissible costs (max. ₹6 Lakh), while SC/ST farmers receive 75% (max. ₹9 Lakh).
– Cold Chain & Logistics: Provides financial support for the installation of storage facilities (insulated fish boxes, ice-making machines), refrigerated trucks, and large cold storage containers to maintain the quality of marine products.