Government highlights phased fund release, modern fishing infrastructure and deep-sea vessel support aimed at boosting seafood production, exports and coastal livelihoods.

Key Highlights

• ₹1,240.58 crore approved for Tamil Nadu under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) between 2020-21 and 2025-26.
• Central share stands at ₹480.09 crore, with phased releases linked to project implementation and utilisation.
• ₹83.15 crore in Central assistance released during 2023-24 to 2025-26.
• Projects include modernization of fishing harbours, fish landing centres and deep-sea fishing vessels.
• ₹1,314.81 crore sanctioned nationally for 1,205 deep-sea fishing vessels, benefiting traditional fishers including those in Tamil Nadu.
• Infrastructure development under PMMSY and FIDF expected to strengthen seafood supply chains and exports.

Tamil Nadu Receives ₹1,240.58 Crore PMMSY Allocation to Upgrade Fisheries Infrastructure

New Delhi, July 28: The Government of India has approved fisheries projects worth ₹1,240.58 crore for Tamil Nadu under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for the period 2020-21 to 2025-26, reinforcing the state’s position as one of India’s leading seafood producers.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the approved outlay includes a Central contribution of ₹480.09 crore, State share of ₹455.61 crore, and beneficiary contribution of ₹272.85 crore, covering both beneficiary-oriented and infrastructure development projects.

The Ministry clarified that Central assistance is released in phases based on project implementation progress, submission of utilisation certificates and compliance with PMMSY guidelines, and should not be viewed as a shortfall against the total approved allocation.

₹83.15 Crore Released Over the Last Three Years

Between 2023-24 and 2025-26, the Centre released ₹83.15 crore to Tamil Nadu under PMMSY against sanctioned Central assistance of ₹91.52 crore for projects worth ₹342.60 crore.

Subsidies under beneficiary-oriented schemes are transferred directly to beneficiaries through the Electronic Clearing Service (ECS), ensuring faster and transparent fund disbursement.

Focus on Deep-Sea Fishing and Export Competitiveness

The Centre has continued its push towards sustainable offshore fishing by supporting traditional fishers through subsidies for acquiring Deep Sea Fishing Vessels (DSFVs).

Under PMMSY, financial assistance covers:

• 40% subsidy for General category beneficiaries.
• 60% subsidy for SC, ST and women beneficiaries.

Support is also available for upgrading existing fishing vessels to meet export standards, while additional financing is provided through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).

Across India, projects worth ₹1,314.81 crore have been sanctioned for the acquisition of 1,205 deep-sea fishing vessels, including those benefiting fishers in Tamil Nadu.

Major Investments in Fishing Harbours and Landing Centres

Tamil Nadu continues to receive significant investment in fisheries infrastructure.

Under the Blue Revolution Scheme, projects worth ₹187.90 crore include:

• Mookaiyur Fishing Harbour.
• Kunthukal Fish Landing Centre.

Under PMMSY, projects worth ₹155.57 crore include:

• Modernisation of Chennai Fishing Harbour.
• Upgradation of Pazhayar Fishing Harbour.
• Maintenance dredging of Colachel Fishing Harbour.
• Fish landing centres at Nettukupam, Thazankuppam, Arangankuppam and Goonankuppam.

Additionally, under FIDF, 16 fishing harbours and 57 fish landing centres have been sanctioned in Tamil Nadu with a combined project cost of ₹1,988.35 crore.

Support for Fishermen Through Fuel Subsidies

While fuel subsidies are administered by state governments, Tamil Nadu continues to provide sales tax-exempt diesel and subsidised industrial kerosene to reduce operational costs for fishing communities.

The state currently provides:

• 19,000 litres of tax-exempt diesel annually to each of 4,500 mechanised fishing boats.
• 4,400 litres annually to 13,500 motorised country crafts.
• 3,700 litres of subsidised industrial kerosene annually to around 7,500 motorised country crafts operating in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts.

Tirunelveli District Beneficiaries

The PMMSY has also supported fisheries entrepreneurs in Tirunelveli through assistance for insulated vehicles, FRP fishing boats and ice-box equipped transport.

A total of 119 beneficiaries have received government support amounting to ₹246.48 lakh, including a Central share of ₹147.89 lakh, helping improve post-harvest handling and cold-chain connectivity.

Hospitality, Tourism & Seafood Industry Impact

The continued investment in Tamil Nadu’s fisheries infrastructure is expected to benefit the hospitality and tourism ecosystem, particularly in coastal destinations known for seafood cuisine.

Modern fishing harbours, improved landing centres and enhanced cold-chain logistics can ensure a more consistent supply of fresh seafood to hotels, restaurants, resorts and catering businesses. Better export-quality infrastructure is also likely to strengthen India’s seafood exports while encouraging seafood-based culinary tourism in destinations such as Chennai, Nagapattinam, Rameswaram, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari.

Improved fishing infrastructure and higher incomes for coastal communities may also support local tourism through seafood festivals, coastal experiences and fishing-related tourism initiatives, creating additional opportunities for hospitality businesses operating along Tamil Nadu’s coastline.