Tamil Nadu raises fishing ban relief to Rs 7000, unveils deep sea fishing support
Chennai, Aug 5
The Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led TVK government in Tamil Nadu has increased financial assistance for traditional fishing families during the annual fishing lean and ban periods from Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 per family, a move expected to benefit around 1.93 lakh families across the State.
Announcing the measure while presenting the TVK government's maiden Budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly on Wednesday, Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson said Rs 135 crore has been earmarked for the enhanced assistance during the current financial year.
The increase is aimed at providing additional income support to traditional fishermen whose livelihoods are affected during periods when fishing activity is restricted or becomes economically unviable.
Wilson said the government would continue implementing welfare and development programmes aimed at protecting the livelihoods of fishing communities and strengthening Tamil Nadu's fisheries economy.
Apart from financial relief during the fishing lean and ban periods, the government will continue providing subsidised diesel and kerosene to eligible fishermen.
Investments will also be made to improve fisheries infrastructure, including fishing harbours, fish landing centres and fish farms across the State.
In another major initiative, the government has announced measures to encourage traditional fishermen to move beyond near-shore waters and take up deep-sea fishing.
Under the proposed programme, fishermen purchasing deep-sea fishing boats equipped with modern fish processing facilities will be provided interest subsidy support.
The government has allocated Rs 12 crore for the scheme during the current financial year. The initiative is expected to reduce the financial burden involved in acquiring modern deep-sea fishing vessels and enable traditional fishing communities to expand their operations into more productive fishing grounds.
The government expects the programme to help fishermen improve their catch and earnings while reducing pressure on fish resources in coastal and near-shore waters.
Modern processing facilities on board the vessels are also expected to improve the quality and value of the catch by enabling better handling and preservation at sea.
The Budget announcements signal the TVK government's focus on combining direct livelihood assistance with long-term modernisation of the fisheries sector.
By increasing financial support during periods of restricted fishing and facilitating investment in deep-sea fishing, the government aims to strengthen income security and create new economic opportunities for traditional fishing communities across Tamil Nadu.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative by the TVK government. As someone from Chennai who grew up near the Marina, I've seen how tough the ban period is for fishing families. But I wish they'd also focus on providing better cold storage facilities on shore and streamlining the subsidy distribution. ₹12 crore for deep sea boats seems a bit low though - those modern boats are expensive!
Interesting approach. As a marine biologist, I am curious about the environmental sustainability aspect. Encouraging deep sea fishing is good in theory to reduce coastal overfishing, but what about enforcement of fishing quotas? India really needs a comprehensive marine policy to complement these financial incentives.
As a daughter of a fisherman from Nagapattinam, this brings tears to my eyes. Appa worked so hard during the ban season, taking odd jobs to make ends meet. ₹7000 is not a fortune but it shows respect for our community. The subsidised diesel is also a blessing - fuel costs were killing us. Hope the new deep sea scheme helps our fishermen compete with the big trawlers from other states.
Politicians love making announcements during budget day. But will the disbursement be as smooth? Our local fishing cooperative still hasn't received last year's drought relief subsidy. The idea is good - connecting traditional fishermen with deep sea opportunities - but I'll believe it when I see the money in their bank accounts. Also, 🐟 prices are at an all-time high while middlemen take most of the profit. Need more market reforms.
P Priya S Great to see the TV We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.