The Department of Fisheries, Government of India approved a total outlay of ₹1,240.5778 crore for implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) projects in Tamil Nadu during the period 2020-21 to 2025-26. This allocation comprises a Central share of ₹480.0906 crore, State share of ₹455.6139 crore, and beneficiary contribution of ₹272.8488 crore covering both Beneficiary and Non-Beneficiary components.
Central assistance is released in phases based on implementation progress, submission of Utilisation Certificates, and compliance with scheme guidelines. Over the last three years, central funds released to Tamil Nadu totaled ₹83.1522 crore: ₹30.5646 crore in 2023-24 against approved project cost of ₹116.1055 crore, ₹27.8199 crore in 2024-25 against ₹152.1927 crore, and ₹24.7677 crore in 2025-26 against ₹74.3031 crore.
For Tirunelveli District specifically, central shares totaling ₹1.47888 crore were released across multiple schemes and categories. This included support for 119 beneficiaries through insulated vehicles (17 beneficiaries, ₹50.69 lakh central share), construction of FRP boats (77 beneficiaries, ₹92.40 lakh), and two/three-wheelers with ice boxes (25 beneficiaries, ₹5.00 lakh).
Under deep-sea fishing initiatives, projects amounting to ₹1,314.81 crore have been sanctioned nationally for acquisition of 1,205 deep-sea fishing vessels. Financial assistance is provided at 40% subsidy for General Category and 60% for SC/ST/Women beneficiaries. Infrastructure development includes ₹187.9 crore sanctioned under Blue Revolution Scheme for fishing harbor at Mookaiyur and fish landing centre at Kunthukal, plus ₹155.57 crore under PMMSY for modernization of Chennai fishing harbor, upgradation of Pazhayar fishing harbor, maintenance dredging of Colachel fishing harbor, and four fish landing centres. Under FIDF scheme, 16 fishing harbors and 57 fish landing centres have been sanctioned in Tamil Nadu at total project cost of ₹1,988.35 crore.
The Tamil Nadu government provides sales tax exempted diesel of 19,000 liters per year per craft to 4,500 mechanized fishing boats and 4,400 liters per year per craft to 13,500 motorized country crafts. Additionally, subsidized industrial kerosene of 3,700 liters per year per craft is provided to approximately 7,500 motorized country crafts operating in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts.