Over ₹1.96 crore disbursed in Thanjavur, Cauvery fish stocking to enhance inland production and strengthen livelihoods of fishing communities

Key Highlights

• 1,480 inland fish farmers and 1,234 inland fishermen registered in Thanjavur district
• ₹196.30 lakh disbursed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) over the last three years
• 176 lakh advanced fingerlings released across Tamil Nadu, including 59.76 lakh in the Cauvery river system
• Fish stocking expected to increase Cauvery river fish production to 220 tonnes
• 355 beneficiaries from Tamil Nadu’s delta districts received PMMSY support for aquaculture and fishing infrastructure

News

The Government has stepped up support for inland fisheries in Tamil Nadu’s delta region through investments under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), focusing on aquaculture infrastructure, fish stock enhancement and livelihood support for fishing communities.

According to information shared in the Lok Sabha, 1,480 inland fish farmers are registered with the District Fish Farmers Development Agency (DFFDA), while 1,234 inland fishermen are registered with cooperative societies in Thanjavur district.

Over the last three years (2021-22 to 2023-24), projects worth ₹196.30 lakh have been implemented in the district under PMMSY. The investments include freshwater finfish hatcheries, seed rearing ponds, grow-out ponds, Biofloc units, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and input assistance to fish farmers.

The government also highlighted efforts to revive inland fisheries in the Cauvery river system, where reduced river flow due to irrigation diversions has made capture fisheries largely seasonal.

To improve fish availability and conserve native species, the Department of Fisheries released 176 lakh advanced fingerlings across Tamil Nadu under the River Ranching Programme, including 59.76 lakh fingerlings in the Cauvery river system. The initiative is expected to increase fish production in the river to 220 tonnes, while supporting the livelihoods of inland fishing communities.

Across Tamil Nadu’s delta districts—Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai and Cuddalore—the state has also promoted sustainable aquaculture through Biofloc technology, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), hatcheries and fishing gear subsidies.

The government said 355 beneficiaries from the delta region have received PMMSY assistance for aquaculture projects and fishing infrastructure. Additionally, 9 lakh fingerlings have been stocked in Panchayat tanks covering 450 hectares during 2024-25 and 2025-26.

The details were shared by Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Hospitality Industry Impact

The expansion of inland aquaculture in Tamil Nadu could strengthen the supply of freshwater fish for hotels, restaurants and institutional catering businesses. Investments in hatcheries, Biofloc systems and modern aquaculture technologies are expected to improve year-round availability of quality fish, helping restaurants diversify menus with locally sourced seafood while reducing dependence on seasonal catches.

Travel & Tourism Impact

Tamil Nadu’s delta region is known for its rich culinary heritage, and improved freshwater fish production could further support regional food tourism. A stronger fisheries sector can benefit seafood restaurants, local food experiences and tourism linked to the Cauvery basin, while also creating opportunities for community-based and rural tourism centred around aquaculture and traditional fishing practices.

Why It Matters

The government’s continued investment in aquaculture infrastructure and river restoration initiatives reflects a broader push to modernise inland fisheries while improving livelihoods. For the hospitality sector, enhanced fish production and a stronger supply chain can translate into more consistent access to fresh, locally sourced seafood.