The government is committed to empowering fishermen – Minister Nitesh Rane

Nagpur, Dec 2025 : The government is making continuous efforts to economically empower fishermen by strengthening systems of procurement, sales, storage, processing and marketing through the cooperative sector, Fisheries and Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane said.

He was speaking at a thanksgiving gathering organised by the Fishermen Cooperative Council at the Teachers’ Cooperative Bank auditorium, held to express gratitude for the various people-oriented schemes, policy decisions and sustained support provided by the government for the economic, social and professional upliftment of the fishermen community in the state. Minister Rane was present as the chief guest.

On the occasion, MLA Kirtikumar Bhangadiya, President of the Maharashtra State Fishermen Cooperative Federation Jyoti Mehre, Government Member of the National Fisheries Development Corporation Prakash Lonare, senior officials of the Cooperation Department, officials of the Fisheries Department, and office-bearers of various fishermen cooperative societies were prominently present.

Minister Rane said the fishermen community is an important component of the state’s economy. To improve their standard of living, increase their income and make fisheries more sustainable, the government is implementing various schemes effectively. Fishermen are being empowered through the supply of fish seed, subsidies for modern boats and nets, storage facilities, encouragement to fish-processing industries, insurance cover and easy access to credit, he said. He expressed the expectation that if fishermen cooperative societies work collectively and transparently, government schemes will reach grassroots-level fishermen more effectively.

During the gathering, members of the fishermen community shared their views and expectations regarding issues such as rising fuel prices, market fluctuations, losses due to natural calamities, insurance compensation and difficulties in loan procedures. Minister Rane assured that the government would take positive decisions on fishermen’s issues and implement the necessary remedial measures.