Port Blair, Sept. 5: The Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration is extending support to the fishers and interested entrepreneurs for development of post-harvest infrastructures in the form of Cold Chains for reduction of post-harvest losses by creating processing, storage, value addition, packaging and transport facilities for fish and fisheries products under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Fish being a perishable commodity, the Department has prioritized the establishment of adequate ice production and cold storage facilities for enhancing the trading and export of seafood from these Islands. The aim of developing such facilities in private sector by extending financial assistance under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is to increase the participation of traditional fisherman community in the fisheries business as well as for ensuring adequate supply/ availability of ice in affordable rates for the fisherman community.

The Scheme for Financial assistance @ 40% for general fishers and 60% for women and tribal beneficiary to construct 10/20/30/50 MT capacity Ice plant/Cold storage under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is available with the Department.

Interested fishers/entrepreneurs/women/co-operative societies/self help groups may contact Zonal Fisheries Office/Fisheries Sub-Stations of respective districts for application and further details to avail financial assistance under PMMSY for construction of Ice plant/ Cold storage in any part of A&N Islands.