Government Launches ₹36.49 Crore Fisheries Infrastructure Projects in Puducherry
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying launched fisheries infrastructure projects worth ₹36.49 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on September 1, 2026, at Kamarajar Manimadapam, Puducherry. The projects aim to strengthen fisheries infrastructure, promote sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal communities, enhance value chain efficiencies, and accelerate development through a cooperative-led approach.
The infrastructure projects include ₹18.94 crore for a Fish Landing Centre at Nallavadu, ₹15.63 crore for upgradation of Puducherry Fishing Harbour, and ₹1.92 crore for an Advanced Centre for Innovation and Capacity Development in Seaweed Farming at Karaikal. Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized that these are long-term assets that will strengthen livelihoods of fishing communities.
Significant Growth in Fisheries Production and Exports
India's fish production has increased substantially from 95.7 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 197.7 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, with fisheries exports growing substantially over the period. The government has implemented several flagship initiatives including PMMSY, FIDF and PM-MKSSY to achieve this growth.
Policy Initiatives for Deep-Sea Fishing
The government has issued guidelines and rules for fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas for Indian flagged vessels, introduced Access Passes and Letters of Authorization, and accorded priority to cooperatives, women cooperatives and self-help groups. To encourage greater participation, the Department of Fisheries reduced the fee for obtaining a Letter of Authorization for high-sea fishing from ₹25,000 to ₹5,000. The Minister encouraged fishers to adopt deep-sea fishing targeting high-value species such as tuna, with enhanced support promised under the upcoming PMMSY 2.0.
Puducherry's Fisheries Development Achievements
Puducherry has implemented fisheries projects worth ₹350.26 crore between 2021 and 2024-25, including ₹296.43 crore as Central assistance. Projects worth ₹349.14 crore have been planned in Puducherry under PMMSY over the next five years. The Union Territory is developing Karaikal as a Fishing Harbour Cluster with an investment of ₹119.94 crore for a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbor, providing modern infrastructure for safe vessel berthing, hygienic fish handling, and efficient fish marketing.
The government also provides various benefits to fishers including diesel subsidy, boat subsidy, fishing ban period assistance, old-age support, and educational assistance. The Chief Minister announced full financial support for education of children from fishing families from school to higher education.
Seaweed Farming and Blue Economy Focus
Seaweed farming is being promoted as a sustainable livelihood avenue for fisherwomen, with the Advanced Centre for Innovation and Capacity Development established at Karaikal. The cluster-based approach under PMMSY will promote growth of Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and fisheries cooperatives through enhanced access to infrastructure, finance, technology, value addition and markets.