Distribution of Two Large Boats to Cooperative Societies under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

Prosperity will be brought in the fisheries sector through cooperation – Union Minister Amit Shah

Mumbai, Oct 2025 : Through cooperation, the dairy business and sugar industry have brought large-scale prosperity in the country and the state. Similarly, to bring prosperity in the fisheries sector, an ecosystem based on cooperative principles will be created in the next five years, said Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.

With the cooperation of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) of the Central Government and the Fisheries Department of the State Government, the distribution and inauguration of deep-sea fishing boats to cooperative societies under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana was carried out at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He was speaking on this occasion. Also present were Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane, Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil, Minister of State for Home and Cooperation Pankaj Bhoyar, Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Secretary of Fisheries Department Ramaswamy N., and others.

Union Minister Shri Shah said that although today only two boats are being given, in the coming period this scheme will prove to be extremely useful for fishermen. In the future, India’s fisheries potential will increase, and fishermen in the fisheries sector will directly benefit from it. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, 14 boats are currently being given to cooperative societies in the state, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a target to launch at least 200 boats into the sea in the next five years. These boats can stay in the deep sea for 25 days and catch up to 20 tonnes of fish. A large vessel will also be made available to collect fish from these boats and transport them to the shore. The profit earned through these boats will directly reach the fishermen, thereby improving their economic prosperity. The 1,199-kilometer coastline has immense potential, and the Central Government’s aim is to ensure this benefit reaches the maximum number of fishermen.

Union Minister Shri Shah further said that whether it is the milk production, sugar industry, or the fisheries sector, cooperation is the only way to ensure that profit reaches directly to the hardworking and the poor. Through the spirit of cooperation, a truly human-centered GDP is created. Only when every family becomes prosperous will the nation prosper. The dairy business and sugar industry have played a vital role in enriching villages in Maharashtra through cooperative institutions, ensuring that profits reached the hardworking farmers directly. Similarly, a cooperative model is being created in the fisheries sector so that profits reach fishermen engaged in fish farming directly.

The Central Government, with the cooperation of the Departments of Fisheries and Cooperation, has prepared a plan to set up large vessels for processing, refrigeration, export facilities, and collection. This will boost rural development in the fishing sector and ensure that fishermen directly benefit from export profits, expressed Amit Shah.

Maharashtra Leading in Developing Blue Economy – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged the development of the Blue Economy, launching various schemes for it. As a result, Maharashtra has taken a major lead in setting up new fishing harbors, fishing ecosystems, and fishing vessel ecosystems. In recent times, Maharashtra has recorded the highest fish production growth in the country—45 percent. Efforts will be made to make Maharashtra rank first in the next five years.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has decided to link the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana with the Cooperation Department. Under this initiative, deep-sea fishing boats are being given to fishermen’s cooperative societies from today. Through the NCDC, large-scale loans and subsidies have been provided to these cooperatives. The boats provided through this initiative are crucial for deep-sea fishing, where there is an abundance of fish, ensuring better profits for fishermen. Fishing only near coastal areas causes marine or fish scarcity, which these boats will help prevent, said Chief Minister Fadnavis.

He added that the exclusive economic zone granted to the country’s vast coastline will enable the creation of a large marine economy. Small, hardworking fishermen did not have deep-sea vessels or trawlers, which prevented them from fishing in deep waters. Therefore, through cooperation, these boats have been provided to fishermen’s cooperatives via loans. These boats will benefit not only fishermen but also the state’s economy.

In the coming time, a large amount of funding will be required, which will be made available through NCDC. Large numbers of deep-sea fishing vessels will be distributed to fishermen’s cooperatives. This will enable fishing of tuna, skipjack, albacore, and other fish species in high demand in domestic and foreign markets. The Chief Minister said the central government is extending full support to the state’s efforts.

State to Become Leader in Fish Production – Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane

Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane said that the state has accorded agriculture status to fisheries. Along with this, the use of artificial intelligence technology, financial assistance schemes for fishermen, and the development of fishing harbors have led to a 45 percent increase in fish production. Over the past 11 months, the state government has taken several revolutionary decisions, implementing 26 different schemes for fishermen through the department. This will bring economic prosperity to fishermen engaged in both freshwater and marine fishing. With the cooperation of the Central Government and the Cooperation Department, a revolution in the fisheries sector will be brought in the near future, he added.

Fisheries Commissioner Kishor Taware, Union Fisheries Secretary Abhilash Lekhi, Union Cooperation Secretary Ashish Kumar Bhutani, and Principal Secretary of Cooperation Department Praveen Darade were present. Shri Bhutani delivered the introductory remarks, while Secretary Ramaswamy proposed the vote of thanks.

On this occasion, two deep-sea fishing boats and their certificates of registration were distributed by the dignitaries. Jai Malhar Matsyavyavasay Vividha Karyakari Sanstha’s President Raju Chavan and Director Devaraj Chavan were handed the keys and certificates. After the ceremony, the dignitaries inspected the boats.