Puducherry [India], September 1 : Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, on Tuesday launched fisheries infrastructure projects worth Rs 36.49 crore in Kamarajar Manimadapam, Puducherry, to strengthen fisheries infrastructure, promote sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal communities, enhance value chain efficiencies and accelerate development through a cooperative-led approach.
According to the Ministry, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, organised the launch of the Fisheries Infrastructure Project under PMMSY and the Multi-Dimensional Capacity Building Conclave for Co-operative Led Seaweed Farming under Blue Economy on Tuesday.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan stated that the three projects inaugurated under PMMSY, namely the upgradation of Thengaithittu Fishing Harbour, the Nallavadu Fish Landing Centre, and the Advanced Centre for Innovation and Capacity Development in Seaweed Farming at Karaikal, are not merely infrastructure projects but long-term assets that will strengthen the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Highlighting the transformative impact of flagship initiatives such as PMMSY, FIDF and PM-MKSSY, he noted that India's fish production has increased from 95.7 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 197.7 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, while fisheries exports have grown substantially over the period.
Emphasising the vast untapped potential of India's marine resources, he noted that the Government has issued guidelines and rules for fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas for Indian flagged vessels, introduced Access Passes and Letters of Authorisation, and accorded priority to cooperatives, women cooperatives and self-help groups.
The Department of Fisheries has reduced the fee for obtaining a Letter of Authorization for high-sea fishing from ₹25,000 to ₹5,000 to encourage greater participation of fisheries cooperatives. Singh encouraged fishers to adopt deep-sea fishing, particularly targeting high-value species such as tuna, and informed that enhanced support for deep-sea fishing vessels would be provided under the upcoming PMMSY 2.0. The Minister also highlighted the growing potential of seaweed farming as a sustainable livelihood avenue for fisherwomen and announced the Centre's commitment to support the development of the Mahe Fishing Harbour project estimated at ₹67 crore, reaffirming the Government of India's continued support for the welfare and prosperity of fishers in Puducherry.
The Union Minister clarified that the recently introduced provisions relating to fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas are aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of traditional fishing communities and should not be misconstrued as measures favouring corporate interests. He stated that the Government has accorded priority in the issuance of Access Passes and Letters of Authorization to fisheries cooperatives, women cooperatives and self-help groups, and encouraged fishers to leverage these opportunities to undertake deep-sea fishing for high-value species, improve incomes and strengthen export competitiveness.
During the conclave, Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched fisheries Infrastructure projects worth Rs 36.49 crore, including ₹18.94 crore Fish Landing Centre at Nallavadu, the ₹15.63 crore upgradation of Puducherry Fishing Harbour, and the ₹1.92 crore Advanced Centre for Innovation and Capacity Development in Seaweed Farming at Karaika.
Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, emphasized the crucial role of the fisheries sector in strengthening India's economy, food security and employment generation, noting that the welfare and prosperity of fishing communities remain a key priority of the Government under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
K. Kailashnathan, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, highlighted the pivotal role of the fisheries sector in India's economic growth, food security and employment generation, and underscored the Government of India's strong commitment to the welfare of fishing communities under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
N. Rangasamy, Chief Minister of Puducherry, highlighted that the Government of India, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, has been implementing several initiatives to enhance fisheries production, increase exports and improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk.