NEW DELHI, 22 July 2026: The Centre has announced an ambitious initiative to develop fisheries and aquaculture in 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars across the country to boost inland fish production, improve fishers' incomes and strengthen India's Blue Economy.
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) said the initiative, announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, aims to unlock the untapped fisheries potential of reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for fishing communities.
The programme will focus on engaging women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), fisheries cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) in fisheries development and value addition.
The government has identified 351 reservoirs and 100 Amrit Sarovars across states and Union Territories for integrated development. The selection was made in consultation with state governments, taking into account perennial water availability and fisheries potential.
The initiative includes a comprehensive package of interventions, such as:
- Establishment of quality fish seed hatcheries.
- Promotion of cage and pen culture in reservoirs.
- Composite fish culture and integrated fish farming in Amrit Sarovars.
- Distribution of boats and fishing nets to reservoir fishers.
- Development of fisheries infrastructure, including feed mills, cold storage facilities, ice plants, fish kiosks, retail fish markets, transport vehicles and fish processing units.
To enhance fishers' incomes, the Department of Fisheries will also support the formation of new Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), women-led groups and fisheries cooperatives, while strengthening existing institutions in the selected water bodies.
The government said investments under the programme will be based on Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) submitted by states and Union Territories, with funding provided in accordance with the existing guidelines of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The initiative is expected to strengthen inland fisheries infrastructure, improve value addition and create sustainable employment opportunities across the fisheries sector.
