Centre backs scientific aquaculture, cold-chain facilities, wholesale fish markets and modern fish farming technologies to strengthen inland fisheries in Uttar Pradesh.

Key Highlights

• ₹1,294.32 crore worth of fisheries projects approved for Uttar Pradesh under PMMSY.
• ₹336.61 crore released by the Centre, with ₹316.61 crore already utilised.
• Projects cover ponds, hatcheries, reservoirs, feed mills, Biofloc, RAS and cold-chain infrastructure.
• State-of-the-art wholesale fish market developed in Chandauli.
• Pangasius aquaculture cluster identified in Siddharth Nagar.
• National fish production reaches 197.97 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.

Centre Accelerates Inland Fisheries Development in Uttar Pradesh Under PMMSY

New Delhi, July 28: The Government of India has approved fisheries development projects worth ₹1,294.32 crore for Uttar Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with a strong focus on modern aquaculture, inland fisheries infrastructure and value-chain development.

The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, said the projects are aimed at expanding fish production, improving post-harvest infrastructure and enhancing incomes for fishers and fish farmers across the state, including eastern Uttar Pradesh.

₹336.61 Crore Released for Fisheries Projects

The Centre has approved projects with a Central liability of ₹412.30 crore, of which ₹336.61 crore has already been released.

According to the Government of Uttar Pradesh, ₹316.61 crore has been utilised for fisheries development across all districts.

Modern Aquaculture and Infrastructure Expansion

PMMSY support in Uttar Pradesh includes investments in:

• Scientific aquaculture.
• Integrated fish farming.
• Pond development.
• Fish hatcheries.
• Reservoir fisheries.
• Fish feed mills.
• Cold-chain infrastructure.
• Biofloc technology.
• Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS).
• Cage culture.
• Other modern fisheries technologies based on state requirements.

The government said these interventions are helping modernise inland fisheries while improving productivity and fish quality.

Focus on Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Special attention has been given to fisheries development in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Major initiatives include:

• Establishment of a state-of-the-art wholesale fish market in Chandauli to improve marketing and distribution.
• Identification of a Pangasius aquaculture cluster in Siddharth Nagar, aimed at accelerating commercial fish farming and increasing production in the region.

The Ministry said these projects are expected to improve market access and strengthen the fisheries ecosystem in eastern districts.

PMMSY Driving National Fisheries Growth

The government highlighted the broader achievements of PMMSY, noting significant improvements across the fisheries sector during the scheme’s implementation.

According to the Ministry:

• Annual fish production increased from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 197.97 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.
• Seafood exports rose from ₹46,662.85 crore to ₹73,890 crore during FY 2025-26.
• Per capita fish consumption increased from 5–6 kg to 12–13 kg.
• Aquaculture productivity improved from 3 tonnes per hectare to 4.7 tonnes per hectare.

The government expects continued investment in infrastructure and technology to further improve incomes for fishers and small farmers.

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Impact

Although Uttar Pradesh is an inland state, growing investments in aquaculture and fisheries infrastructure are expected to strengthen the supply of freshwater fish to hotels, restaurants, institutional catering and foodservice businesses across North India. Improved cold-chain logistics, wholesale fish markets and scientific fish farming can help ensure better quality, consistency and availability of freshwater species for the hospitality industry.

The development of fisheries clusters and modern aquaculture also supports rural tourism and agri-tourism, particularly around aquaculture farms and reservoirs. As consumer demand for locally sourced and sustainable food continues to grow, these investments can create opportunities for regional culinary tourism while supporting restaurants that specialise in freshwater fish cuisine.