Aquaculture Development in Maharashtra
Aquaculture Development in Maharashtra
The Department of Fisheries, Government of India (DoF, GoI) through its schemes, policies and programs has been taking several initiatives towards holistic development of fisheries sector, including sustainable development of aquaculture in all States/UTs including Maharashtra. Under the flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) implemented by the Department, during the last five years and the current year fisheries developmental projects amounting to Rs. 1626.99 crore has been approved to Maharashtra. The approval also included various aquaculture development activities like establishment of fish brood banks (10 units), fish/prawn hatcheries (32 units), inland aquaculture (282.29 ha), biofloc fish culture (182 ha), cages in reservoirs (17,463 Nos), Re-circulatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) (541 Nos), biofloc tanks(152 units), sea cages (110 Nos) and rafts for seaweed cultivation (1000 Nos). The Government of Maharashtra has accorded approval to the Mariculture Policy in 2023. These activities are aimed at sustainable enhancement of fish production in Maharashtra through aquaculture.
The Government of Maharashtra has informed that area of 462.46 ha under pond culture for inland aquaculture, about 1491.73 ha area under coastal aquaculture, 0.9178 ha under seaweed cultivation and 0.12 ha area under sea cage culture is under aquaculture development. Government of Maharashtra has reported production of 2.70 lakh tonnes under aquaculture with major species namely carps & catfishes (2,69,000 tonnes), P. monodon (278 tonnes) and L. vannamei (1340 tonnes).
(c): Over the years aquaculture has steadily developed in Maharashtra with coordinated efforts and initiatives taken up by Central and State Government. However, major constraints effecting expansion include availability of quality brood stock, quality seeds for farming, leasing policies, cost involved in terms of electricity, need for species diversification, cold chain facilities, training & skill developments etc. Under the PMMSY implemented by the DoF, GoI, measures have been taken for supply of quality brood and seeds through establishment of brood banks, hatcheries. Cold chain infrastructures like ice plant/cold storages, State of art fish markets, fish kiosks, fish transportation facilities are also approved for enhancing the shelf life and quality. In addition, need based training and outreach activities are also taken up through National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
Government of Maharashtra has informed that agriculture equivalent status has been granted to fisheries sector in the State vide Government Resolution dated 09.05.2025 towards concessional electricity tariff and other provisions for development of fisheries. It is also informed that a State level scheme ‘Chief Minister Matsya Sampada Yojana’ has been also announced for holistic development of fisheries along with developments carried out under the Central schemes.
This information was given by Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in the Lok Sabha in response to a question asked.