Centre Highlights Major Investments in Fisheries Infrastructure, Cold Chain and Aquaculture Under PMMSY and Blue Revolution

Key Highlights

• ₹1,567.96 crore fisheries and aquaculture projects approved for Odisha since 2014-15 under Blue Revolution and PMMSY.
• Central assistance of ₹549.58 crore provided for fisheries development across the state.
• 13 FIDF projects worth ₹784.32 crore approved for Odisha, including two projects in Balasore.
• Balasore receives ₹250.71 crore under various fisheries schemes, with 86% fund utilization.
• Chandipur Fishing Harbour upgraded at ₹49.94 crore.
• State-of-the-art wholesale fish market established at Basta with an investment of ₹78.20 crore.
• Balasore declared Production and Processing Cluster for Scampi.
• Cold chain, hatcheries, climate-resilient fishing villages and aquaculture projects strengthen seafood value chain.

Odisha’s Fisheries Sector Receives Strong Government Backing; Balasore Becomes Major Seafood Growth Centre

The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Odisha’s fisheries and aquaculture sector through large-scale infrastructure development, modern seafood handling facilities and aquaculture expansion under flagship schemes including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Blue Revolution.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, projects worth ₹1,567.96 crore have been approved for Odisha since 2014-15, supported by a Central share of ₹549.58 crore. The investments cover fisheries infrastructure, production enhancement, cold chain development and modern marketing facilities across the state, including Balasore district.

Additionally, under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Odisha has secured approval for 13 projects worth ₹784.32 crore, backed by a restricted interest subvention of ₹286.39 crore. Two of these projects, valued at ₹8.26 crore, are being implemented in Balasore.

The state government is also complementing Central initiatives through the Mukhyamantri Matsyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY) aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening the fisheries ecosystem across Odisha.

Balasore Emerges as a Fisheries and Seafood Processing Hub

Balasore has witnessed significant fisheries infrastructure development over the past decade.

Among the flagship projects is the ₹49.94 crore Chandipur Fishing Harbour, expected to improve marine fish landing and handling facilities. The district has also established a state-of-the-art wholesale fish market at Basta with an investment of ₹78.20 crore, strengthening seafood marketing and supply chains.

Other major initiatives include:

• Development of five Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages
• Installation of six cold storage and ice plant units
• Demonstration of Indian pompano sea cage culture at Bahabalpur coast
• Bringing 107 hectares of brackish-water area under aquaculture
• Establishment of three finfish hatcheries and one scampi hatchery
• Recognition of Balasore as the Production and Processing Cluster for Scampi

According to the Odisha Government, Balasore has received ₹250.71 crore under various fisheries schemes since 2014-15, with ₹214.45 crore already utilized, reflecting an implementation rate of nearly 86%.

Hospitality, Tourism and Food Industry Impact

The continued investment in fisheries infrastructure is expected to generate multiple opportunities beyond the fisheries sector.

Modern fishing harbours, wholesale seafood markets and cold-chain facilities can strengthen the supply of fresh seafood to hotels, restaurants, resorts and catering businesses across Odisha and neighbouring states. Improved seafood quality and logistics are likely to benefit hospitality operators serving coastal cuisine and premium seafood menus.

The development of Chandipur Fishing Harbour and supporting infrastructure also enhances the potential for coastal tourism and seafood-based culinary experiences. Destinations such as Chandipur can attract greater visitor interest through fresh seafood offerings, local fish markets and marine tourism activities, creating new opportunities for restaurants, homestays and tourism entrepreneurs.

The recognition of Balasore as a Scampi Production and Processing Cluster is expected to support seafood exports while encouraging value-added seafood processing, benefiting the food processing industry and expanding business opportunities for hospitality suppliers.