As reported by the Lakshadweep Administration, 3,257 fishermen are registered in the Union Territory, and 1,747 fishing vessels are available, including both traditional and mechanised boats. These comprise: (i) 1,538 motorized non‑mechanical traditional OBM boats, (ii) 192 non‑motorized traditional crafts, and (iii) 17 motorized mechanical boats

 (b): As reported by the Lakshadweep Administration, fish production in Lakshadweep during the last three financial years, year-wise and species-wise, is furnished at Annexure-I

(c) and (d): The Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India (GoI) has been implementing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) across all States and Union Territories (UTs), including the UT of Lakshadweep, since 2020-21. In addition, the UT Administration operates its own scheme aimed at livelihood support, modernization of fishing operations, and market improvement. Under the PMMSY, during 2020-21 and 2025-26, the DoF, GoI, has approved project proposals worth Rs. 62.43 Crore to the UT of Lakshadweep, with a central share of Rs. 44.20 Crore.

The approved projects include the establishment of cold storages and ice plants with capacities of 5‑ton, 10‑ton, and 20‑ton; construction of fish kiosks to improve local retail infrastructure; and the provision of three‑wheelers and motorcycles fitted with ice boxes to enhance the hygienic transport of fish. Support has also been extended for fish value‑addition units, acquisition of deep‑sea fishing vessels for traditional fishermen, and promotion of recreational fisheries and backyard ornamental fish rearing. To enhance safety and efficiency at sea, assistance is being provided for communication and tracking devices, including VHF sets, DAT, AND NAVIC receivers, as well as for safety kits and for the replacement of traditional boats and nets. Seaweed culture has also been promoted as a livelihood‑diversification activity, with financial assistance provided for the adoption of mono‑line, tube‑net, and raft‑based cultivation methods. Additionally, under the UT Scheme, financial assistance is provided for the construction of fishing boats, thereby strengthening fishing infrastructure and livelihood security in the islands. Moreover, in line with the Government’s cluster‑based approach for holistic fisheries development and enhancement of fishers’ incomes and recognising the significant potential of the seaweed sector for Lakshadweep’s overall economic growth, the Government of India has notified a dedicated Seaweed Cluster in the Union Territory.

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ANNEXURE-I

Statement Fish production in Lakshadweep during the last three financial years, year-wise and species-wise.

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