The Department of Fisheries, Government of India (DoF, GoI) through its schemes, policies and programs has been taking several initiatives towards holistic development of both marine and inland fisheries in all States/UTs including Maharashtra. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana’ (PMMSY), during last 3 years and current year Department has approved fisheries development projects of Government of Maharashtra amounting to Rs. 981.72 Crore. The approved activities include financial assistance towards establishment of fish brood banks, fish/prawn hatcheries towards quality seed, technology infused activities like cages in reservoirs, Re-circulatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc units, deep sea fishing vessels, up gradation of existing fishing vessels for export competency, Integrated Modern Fish Landing Centres, State of art whole sale fish markets, ice plant/cold storages, fish transportation facilities etc. In addition, ornamental fish rearing units, seaweed cultivation, recreational fisheries units, fish kiosks, fish value added enterprise towards alternate livelihood, livelihood support during fish ban period and installation of artificial reefs along the coast towards sustainable management of resources are also approved.

Under the PMMSY, the beneficiaries are identified by the respective State Governments/UTs. Government of Maharashtra has informed that fisheries and aquaculture is being developed under the PMMSY and state level district planning schemes. The main activities include enhancing fish production, infrastructure development, livelihood support to fishers, stocking of fish fingerlings, capacity building programmes etc. Government of Maharashtra has informed that under PMMSY, 1,138 projects have been sanctioned in Solapur, Pune, Satara, Sangli, Dharashiv and Ahilyanagar districts, with a total project cost of Rs.207.72 crore. In addition, under the District Planning Schemes, financial assistance amounting to Rs.8.99 crore has been sanctioned to 8,139 beneficiaries in Solapur and adjoining districts. 575 Kisan Credit Cards have been issued in Solapur and adjoining districts for meeting the short term credit requirement.

The Department of Fisheries, GoI also provides need based capacity building programmes through National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) based on proposals submitted by the States/UTs. Government of Maharashtra has informed that 11 training programmes under the Capacity Building Programme were conducted during the period from 2023–24 to 2025–26, benefiting 1,367 participants in various fisheries-related skills.

(c) and (d):     The Department of Fisheries, Government of India works in close coordination with the respective State Governments/UTs towards addressing the ground level challenges in fisheries including inland and reservoir fisheries. Under the PMMSY, interventions like ranching, stocking of fingerlings in reservoirs, integrated development of reservoirs are taken up towards reservoir fisheries development. In addition, need based interventions towards strengthening inland fisheries like establishment of hatcheries for quality seed, feed mills, establishment of fish markets, fish kiosks, fish vending centres, transportation facilities, promoting species diversification, productive utilization of land and water, use of technology infused culture practices are taken up thereby enhancing production, productivity, promoting exports and doubling fishers and fish farmers incomes.

Government of Maharashtra has informed that requisite policy guidelines have been issued to ensure optimal fish stocking and sustainable exploitation of inland waters. Further, ICAR institutes are supporting these efforts through research on species diversification, fish health management, genetic improvement, responsible fishing practices, processing and value addition, along with outreach and extension programmes to strengthen livelihoods and market integration of inland fisheries.

This information was given by Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in the Lok Sabha today in response to a question asked.

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JP