Puducherry launches Rs 36.49 crore fisheries projects to strengthen infrastructure and livelihoods

Puducherry: The Government has launched fisheries infrastructure projects worth Rs 36.49 crore in Puducherry, with a focus on improving the fisheries value chain, strengthening coastal infrastructure and creating better livelihood opportunities for fishing communities.

The projects were launched by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh during a fisheries outreach programme held in Puducherry on September 1.

The initiatives include the upgradation of the Puducherry Fishing Harbour, a new Fish Landing Centre at Nallavadu and an Advanced Centre for Innovation and Capacity Development in Seaweed Farming at Karaikal.

The projects launched include:

• Rs 18.94 crore Fish Landing Centre at Nallavadu
• Rs 15.63 crore upgradation of Puducherry Fishing Harbour
• Rs 1.92 crore Advanced Centre for Innovation and Capacity Development in Seaweed Farming at Karaikal

The government said these facilities are aimed at improving fish handling, berthing, auctioning and safety arrangements while strengthening the overall fisheries value chain.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh said the projects should be viewed as long-term assets for fishing communities rather than only infrastructure works. He also highlighted the potential of deep-sea fishing and high-value species such as tuna, with enhanced support for deep-sea fishing vessels expected under the upcoming PMMSY 2.0.

Seaweed farming was another key focus of the programme, particularly as a livelihood opportunity for fisherwomen.

The Advanced Centre at Karaikal is expected to support innovation, capacity building and wider adoption of seaweed farming, while strengthening the role of coastal communities in the emerging blue economy.

The government has also emphasised a cooperative-led approach, with fisheries cooperatives, women cooperatives and self-help groups being encouraged to participate in new opportunities across the sector.

Karaikal has been notified as a Fishing Harbour Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

A Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Karaikal is being developed with an investment of Rs 119.94 crore. The facility is expected to provide modern arrangements for vessel berthing, hygienic fish handling and fish marketing.

The cluster approach will also support Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and fisheries cooperatives by improving access to infrastructure, finance, technology, value addition and markets.

Speaking at the event, the Union Minister highlighted the growth of India’s fisheries sector, with fish production rising from 95.7 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 197.7 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.

He also pointed to the growing opportunities in marine resources and encouraged fishers to explore deep-sea fishing and high-value species to improve incomes and strengthen India’s export potential.

Puducherry has already seen significant investment in fisheries infrastructure. According to the Lieutenant Governor, fisheries projects worth Rs 350.26 crore were implemented in the Union Territory between 2021 and 2024-25, including Rs 296.43 crore in Central assistance. Projects worth another Rs 349.14 crore have been planned under PMMSY over the next five years.

The latest projects are expected to further strengthen fisheries infrastructure in Puducherry while creating opportunities for fishers, fisherwomen and other coastal communities.