Silkworm Rearing Equipment 2026

This scheme supports setting up open sea cages in Gujarat to boost marine fish production and income Read More... for fishermen and entrepreneurs through sustainable aquaculture. Read less

Details

Gujarat's coastline is a major hub for marine production. To further enhance this sector, the state government, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), is supporting the establishment of open sea cages. This initiative aims to bring modern cage-based aquaculture to marine waters, helping fishermen and entrepreneurs increase their catch and improve their earnings.

What Is This Scheme?

The scheme focuses on the 'Establishment of open Sea cages' with a volume of 100-120 cubic meters. It's a part of the larger PMMSY and is managed by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department of Gujarat. The goal is to upgrade fishing infrastructure, ensure fish quality, and create better value chains.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is designed for individuals and groups involved in fishing in Gujarat. This includes registered boat owners who are residents of Gujarat and hold a valid fishing license. Special assistance is also available for women, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) beneficiaries.

Why This Scheme Is Important

Gujarat leads in marine production but needs to improve its export standards. This scheme addresses that by promoting modern aquaculture techniques like sea cage farming. It also aims to improve the cold chain by supporting ice plants and storage units, and facilitating the hygienic transport and sale of fish. Ultimately, it helps fishermen get better prices for their catch and ensures consumers get fresh, high-quality fish.

Objective

This scheme supports setting up open sea cages in Gujarat to boost marine fish production and income for fishermen and entrepreneurs through sustainable aquaculture.

Benefits

Under this scheme, selected beneficiaries are provided ₹40,000/- (in an 80:10:10 ratio) to purchase equipment necessary for silkworm rearing. Beneficiaries are required to contribute 10% of this amount themselves for the installation of the leaf chamber, while other rearing materials are provided by the department.

Sources and references

Guidelines (Page No. 244)

Eligibility Criteria

You must be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
Your fishing boat must be registered using the Real Craft software.
You need to possess a valid fishing license.
You must complete your application by registering online on the iKhedut Portal.
It's essential to get in-principle approval before you purchase the sea cage unit.
You must have your own active bank account.

Preference/Reservation

Women, SC, and ST applicants are eligible for 60% assistance.
General category applicants are eligible for 40% assistance.

How To Apply

First, make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria.
Visit the iKhedut Portal and complete the online registration for the scheme.
Obtain in-principle approval for your sea cage project before making any purchases.
After getting the necessary approvals and purchasing the unit, submit all required documents as per the application guidelines.
Financial assistance will be disbursed to your bank account after the verification process is completed.

Note: The scheme implementation is managed by the Commissioner of Fisheries.

Documents Required

Aadhaar Card
Bank Pass Book or Cancelled Cheque (for bank account details)
Caste Certificate (if applicable for SC/ST benefits)
Copy of valid Fishing License
Identity Card (e.g., Voter ID, Driving License)
Passport Size Photographs
Quotations for the sea cage unit
Ration Card

FAQ’s

What is the total cost for setting up a sea cage unit under this scheme?

The estimated unit cost for a 100-120 m³ open sea cage is ₹5,00,000/- for the general category. For women, SC, and ST beneficiaries, the estimated unit cost is ₹5,00,000/-.

Can I apply for the sea cage financial assistance multiple times?

No, the financial assistance for establishing an open sea cage unit is a one-time benefit and can only be claimed once in a lifetime.

Who is responsible for implementing the scheme in Gujarat?

The scheme is implemented by the Commissioner of Fisheries of the State Government of Gujarat.

How much financial help will I get if I am from the SC/ST or a woman beneficiary?

If you belong to the Women, SC, or ST category, you are eligible for 60% assistance of the unit cost, which amounts to ₹3,00,000/- or 60% of the actual purchase cost, whichever is less.

What percentage of the cost is covered for general category applicants?

For general category applicants, the assistance covers 40% of the unit cost, which is ₹2,00,000/- or 40% of the actual purchase price, whichever is lower.

Are there specific targets that decide who gets the aid?

Yes, the benefits provided under this scheme will be distributed according to the targets and categories allocated by the Government of India.

Besides sea cages, what other related infrastructure does the scheme support?

The scheme also supports the modernization of cold chain infrastructure, including the construction of ice plants or storage units with a minimum capacity of 30 tonnes to ensure hygienic fish storage.

How does the scheme help in selling fish?

It supports the use of insulated vehicles, three-wheelers with ice boxes, e-rickshaws, and live fish vending centers. This ensures fish is delivered to consumers in a hygienic condition.

What is the role of the Government of India and the State Government in the financial aid?

The financial assistance provided under this scheme is shared between the Central and State Governments. The Government of India contributes 60%, and the Government of Gujarat contributes 40%.

What proof do I need to show that my boat is registered correctly?

You need to provide a copy of your fishing boat registration certificate issued under the Real Craft software.

Is there a specific online portal for application?

Yes, all applicants must complete their registration online through the official iKhedut Portal of Gujarat.

What documents are required to link my bank account for receiving funds?

You will need to submit your Bank Pass Book or a Cancelled Cheque that clearly shows your name, account number, and IFSC code for the fund transfer.