October 28, 2025: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a fleet of state-of-the-art Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai, marking a historic step toward cooperative-led growth in India’s marine fisheries sector. The event, attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, symbolised India’s push for self-reliance, sustainability, and empowerment of cooperatives in the fisheries domain.
The vessels are being provided under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) at a unit cost of Rs 1.2 crore, with financial assistance from the Government of Maharashtra, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), and the Department of Fisheries. The initiative supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat while strengthening India’s Blue Economy by modernizing deep-sea fishing and promoting cooperative-led ventures.
Traditionally, Indian fishermen have operated within 40–60 nautical miles of the coastline. The new deep-sea vessels will enable them to tap into fisheries resources across India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond, opening up opportunities for high-value species like tuna, especially near Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Equipped with advanced technology, these vessels ensure sustainable and traceable harvesting, with minimal ecological disruption. The project also emphasizes digital integration, safety, and efficiency in operations, aligning India’s marine practices with global standards.
A key focus of the initiative is on empowering fisheries cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), including women-led enterprises, to foster inclusive and resilient coastal economies. Supported by PMMSY and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), the program will boost cold-chain and value-chain infrastructure, improve market access, and enhance exports.
By combining sustainability with modernization, the initiative marks a turning point for India’s marine fisheries sector and reinforces the nation’s leadership in the global seafood trade.
Source: ET Infra
