New fish landing, harbour and seaweed facilities aim to strengthen the fisheries value chain, improve livelihoods and support Puducherry’s Blue Economy

Key Highlights

• Fisheries infrastructure projects worth ₹36.49 crore launched in Puducherry.
• ₹18.94 crore Nallavadu Fish Landing Centre and ₹15.63 crore Puducherry Fishing Harbour upgraded under PMMSY.
• ₹1.92 crore Advanced Centre for Innovation and Capacity Development in Seaweed Farming launched at Karaikal.
• Karaikal notified as a Fishing Harbour Cluster, with a ₹119.94 crore Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour project.
• Government highlights seaweed farming, deep-sea fishing and high-value species such as tuna as emerging livelihood and export opportunities.
• Puducherry has implemented fisheries projects worth ₹350.26 crore between 2021 and 2024-25.

The Government has stepped up investment in Puducherry’s fisheries infrastructure with the launch of projects worth ₹36.49 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the projects at Kamarajar Manimadapam, Puducherry, on September 1, alongside a capacity-building conclave focused on cooperative-led seaweed farming and the Blue Economy.

The new and upgraded infrastructure is aimed at improving fish handling, landing, marketing and value-chain efficiency while creating additional livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.

Three major fisheries projects launched

The infrastructure package includes the ₹18.94 crore Fish Landing Centre at Nallavadu, the ₹15.63 crore upgradation of Puducherry Fishing Harbour, and a ₹1.92 crore Advanced Centre for Innovation and Capacity Development in Seaweed Farming at Karaikal.

The government said these facilities are intended to function as long-term assets for fishing communities by improving operational infrastructure and strengthening the fisheries value chain.

The upgraded harbour and landing facilities are expected to improve areas such as fish handling, berthing, auctioning and safety arrangements.

Karaikal to emerge as fishing harbour cluster

A major component of Puducherry’s longer-term fisheries development strategy is the cluster-based approach under PMMSY.

Karaikal has been notified as a Fishing Harbour Cluster, with the development of a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at an estimated investment of ₹119.94 crore.

The integrated facility is expected to provide modern infrastructure for vessel berthing, hygienic fish handling and fish marketing while improving efficiency across the fisheries value chain.

The cluster model will also support Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and fisheries cooperatives, giving them greater access to infrastructure, finance, technology, value addition and markets.

Government promotes deep-sea fishing and tuna

At the event, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the potential of India’s marine resources and encouraged fishers to expand into deep-sea fishing, particularly targeting high-value species such as tuna.

The government has also reduced the fee for obtaining a Letter of Authorization for high-sea fishing from ₹25,000 to ₹5,000, with cooperatives, women cooperatives and self-help groups receiving priority for access.

The Minister said enhanced support for deep-sea fishing vessels would be provided under the upcoming PMMSY 2.0.

Seaweed farming gains focus

Seaweed cultivation was another major focus of the Puducherry programme, particularly as a potential livelihood opportunity for fisherwomen.

The newly launched Advanced Centre at Karaikal is intended to support innovation, capacity development and technology-driven interventions in seaweed farming.

The Centre has positioned seaweed cultivation as part of its broader Blue Economy strategy, with the government seeking to expand sustainable livelihood opportunities among coastal communities.

₹350.26 crore fisheries projects implemented in Puducherry

According to the government, fisheries projects worth ₹350.26 crore have been implemented in Puducherry between 2021 and 2024-25, including ₹296.43 crore in Central assistance.

A further ₹349.14 crore worth of projects has been planned for the Union Territory over the next five years under PMMSY.

The Puducherry government has also highlighted support for fishers through measures including diesel subsidies, boat subsidies, assistance during fishing-ban periods, old-age support and educational assistance.

Fisheries infrastructure strengthens the food supply chain

The infrastructure push has significance beyond the fishing community. Modern landing centres, harbours and fish-marketing facilities can improve the movement of seafood from fishing grounds to markets and food-service businesses.

For hotels, restaurants and other hospitality businesses, better fish handling and marketing infrastructure could support access to fresh and locally sourced seafood, while improved hygiene and value-chain efficiency can strengthen the quality of products entering the market.

Impact on Hospitality, Food, Travel and Tourism

Seafood hospitality: Improved landing, handling and auction infrastructure can strengthen Puducherry’s supply of locally caught seafood for hotels, restaurants and resort kitchens.

Puducherry food tourism: A stronger fisheries ecosystem can add value to the destination’s coastal food identity, creating opportunities around seafood-focused restaurants, culinary experiences and local cuisine.

Coastal tourism: Modern fishing harbours and coastal infrastructure can contribute to the development of waterfront destinations and tourism experiences, provided commercial development is balanced with the needs of fishing communities.

Seaweed and sustainable food: Greater adoption of seaweed farming could eventually create new ingredients and products for the food and hospitality industry, while reinforcing Puducherry’s positioning around sustainable coastal livelihoods.

Karaikal tourism potential: The planned Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour and the Fishing Harbour Cluster could strengthen Karaikal’s coastal economy and potentially support new tourism, food and community-based experiences.

Farm-to-table seafood supply: Stronger links between fishers, cooperatives, FFPOs, markets and hospitality businesses could help develop a more efficient sea-to-table supply chain in Puducherry.

Overall, the ₹36.49 crore infrastructure package marks another step towards positioning Puducherry as a stronger fisheries and Blue Economy hub, with potential spillover benefits for its seafood industry, food businesses, coastal tourism and hospitality sector.