India's Fisheries Development Initiative for Reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars
The Government of India has announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 the integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars across the country to harness untapped fisheries potential. This initiative aims to strengthen livelihoods of reservoir fishermen and engage women self-help groups, fisheries cooperatives, and Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs) in developing fisheries infrastructure.
The Department of Fisheries, in consultation with States and Union Territories, has selected 351 reservoirs and 100 Amrit Sarovars based on submitted lists that considered perennial water availability and fisheries potential. The key implementation components include strengthening quality seed production through hatchery establishment, promotion of cage and pen culture in reservoirs, providing boats and nets to reservoir fishermen, and promoting composite fish culture and integrated fish farming in Amrit Sarovars.
Additional infrastructure development will encompass establishment of fish feed mills, cold storage facilities, ice plants, fish kiosks, retail fish markets, fish transport vehicles, and fish value-added units. The Department of Fisheries is specifically promoting the formation of new FFPOs, women-led groups, and fisheries cooperatives, as well as supporting existing ones in the selected water bodies.
Investment for implementation will be based on Detailed Project Reports submitted by States and Union Territories, with unit cost and funding pattern following the existing guidelines of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh provided this information in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha on July 22, 2026.