New Delhi, March,16,2026: The Union Government has allocated ₹2500 crore to the fisheries sector under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana in the Budget Estimates for 2026–27. The allocation represents the highest funding provided so far under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana.
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh shared the details in the Lok Sabha. The minister said the increased funding highlights the government’s continued support for strengthening the fisheries sector.
The budget allocation under the scheme has shown steady growth in recent years. It stood at ₹2465 crore in 2025–26 and ₹2352 crore in 2024–25.
The government said the scheme focuses on improving fisheries infrastructure, increasing fish production and enhancing the livelihood of fishers and fish farmers across the country.
The minister also presented details regarding financial assistance provided to Tamil Nadu under the scheme. From the financial year 2020–21 to 2024–25, the Centre approved fisheries projects worth ₹1240.95 crore for the state. The central share of these projects was ₹479.73 crore.
Out of the approved central share, ₹202.05 crore has been released so far to the Tamil Nadu government. These funds are being used to implement fisheries and aquaculture development projects.
During the financial year 2025–26, the Centre released ₹50 crore to the state in April 2025 under the scheme. Later, based on a request from the Tamil Nadu government, an additional ₹20 crore was released in February 2026, increasing the total central release to ₹70 crore for the year.
The Tamil Nadu government has utilised ₹48.32 crore from the released funds to implement approved fisheries and aquaculture projects.
The scheme also supports traditional fishers and small scale fish farmers. Assistance includes support for purchasing new fishing boats and nets, upgrading fishing vessels and providing financial aid during the annual fishing ban period to reduce income loss.
Other activities supported under the scheme include sea cage farming, seaweed cultivation, ornamental fish farming and pearl farming. These initiatives aim to provide climate resilient and alternative livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
The government is also promoting mariculture activities such as cage culture and seaweed farming. Training and capacity building programmes are being conducted to improve the skills of fishers and encourage the adoption of modern fishing technologies.
In addition, artificial reefs are being deployed in coastal areas to help replenish fish stocks and restore marine ecosystems. The initiative is aimed at supporting sustainable fishing practices in the long term.
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