Mumbai: In a groundbreaking move, the Maharashtra government has granted agricultural status to the fisheries sector, a decision expected to transform the livelihoods of over 4.83 lakh fishermen across the state.
The announcement was made following a cabinet meeting, with Minister of Port and Fisheries Nitesh Rane highlighting the sector’s immense potential for high production and income—similar to that of traditional agriculture.
Minister Rane emphasized the significance of fisheries in contributing to India’s foreign exchange earnings and underscored the sector’s crucial role in rural economic development. Until now, the lack of agricultural status deprived fishermen, fish breeders, and fish farmers of basic government subsidies and support available to the farming community.
With this new classification, the fisheries sector will now gain access to various agricultural benefits. Fishermen will be eligible for subsidies on essential items such as fish seeds, feed, paddlewheel aerators, and air pumps. Infrastructure such as cold storage units and ice factories will also receive financial assistance.
In a move parallel to crop insurance for farmers, the government plans to introduce a fisheries insurance scheme covering losses in fish seed and fish production. Relief packages will be extended in cases of natural calamities like droughts or excessive rainfall.
Minister Rane added that the decision will stimulate economic development in both coastal and inland areas, creating new employment opportunities. Fishermen will also benefit from electricity subsidies, while fish farmers and associated processing units will now receive power at agricultural rates.
Additionally, fish farmers will be able to access Kisan Credit Cards, concessional agricultural loans, and low-premium insurance coverage, aligning them with benefits already available to the broader farming community.
