Union Ministry Launches ₹36.49 Crore Fisheries Infrastructure Projects in Puducherry
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India in collaboration with the Government of Puducherry organized the launch of Fisheries Infrastructure Project under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Multi-Dimensional Capacity Building Conclave for Co-operative Led Seaweed Farming under Blue Economy on September 1, 2026, at Kamarajar Manimadapam, Puducherry. The event was graced by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh and other dignitaries including the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Puducherry.
Project Details and Financial Allocation
The Union Minister inaugurated three specific projects with a total value of ₹36.49 crore. This includes ₹18.94 crore for the Fish Landing Centre at Nallavadu, ₹15.63 crore for the upgradation of Puducherry Fishing Harbour (Thengaithittu Fishing Harbour), and ₹1.92 crore for the Advanced Centre for Innovation and Capacity Development in Seaweed Farming at Karaikal. Additionally, the Government of India committed to support the development of the Mahe Fishing Harbour project estimated at about ₹67 crore, requesting the Puducherry government to submit the proposal expeditiously.
Fisheries Production and Export Growth
Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted significant growth in India's fisheries sector, noting that fish production has increased from 95.7 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 197.7 lakh tonnes in 2024-25. Fisheries exports have also grown substantially over this period, though specific export figures were not provided. The minister emphasized the vast untapped potential of India's marine resources and mentioned that the government has issued rules for fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and guidelines for high sea fisheries.
Historical and Future Investments in Puducherry
According to the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, fisheries projects worth ₹350.26 crore have been implemented in the union territory between 2021 and 2024-25, including ₹296.43 crore as Central assistance. Furthermore, projects worth ₹349.14 crore have been planned in Puducherry under PMMSY over the next five years. The Chief Minister noted that nearly ₹130 crore has been allocated for the fisheries sector in Puducherry, providing benefits through diesel subsidy, boat subsidy, fishing ban period assistance, old-age support, and educational assistance.
Strategic Focus and Development Approach
The government is promoting deep-sea fishing, particularly targeting high-value species such as tuna, with enhanced support for deep-sea fishing vessels under the upcoming PMMSY 2.0. Seaweed farming is being emphasized as a sustainable livelihood avenue for fisherwomen. Puducherry has adopted a cluster-based approach under PMMSY by notifying Karaikal as a Fishing Harbour Cluster and undertaking development of a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Karaikal with an investment of ₹119.94 crore. This integrated approach will promote growth of Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and fisheries cooperatives through enhanced access to infrastructure, finance, technology, value addition, and markets.