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Centre to boost inland fisheries in Konkan
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Saturday, 21 March, 2026, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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In a significant move to bolster the blue economy and enhance rural livelihoods, the Government of India has announced a comprehensive plan to develop inland fisheries and aquaculture across the country, with a specific focus on the Konkan region of Maharashtra.
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh (alias Lalan Singh), shared details of the initiative in the Rajya Sabha recently. Following the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement, the government is set to undertake the integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars nationwide.
According to the Minister, the Government of Maharashtra has identified 34 reservoirs, including several in the Konkan region, for this integrated development project. This initiative aims to transform these water bodies into productive hubs for fish farming, thereby creating new avenues for employment and food security.
To support the growing industry, the Department of Fisheries has approved a massive expansion of the cold chain infrastructure under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). In the Konkan region, a total of 198 cold chain units have been sanctioned across three key districts:
- Sindhudurg: 96 units
- Ratnagiri: 62 units
- Raigad: 40 units
The Minister emphasised that the primary objective is to enhance the income of fishers. Currently, 12 Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) are operational in the Konkan region. Furthermore, the government is actively promoting startups and women-led groups to innovate within the fisheries sector.
The Department of Fisheries is working in close coordination with States and Union Territories to implement a time-bound action plan, ensuring that the budget milestones and deliverables are met to revitalise the inland fisheries landscape.
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