Maharashtra Govt Grants Agriculture Status to Fisheries Sector, Aims to Boost Production

Mumbai, Apr 22 (PTI), In the most significant step, the cabinet in Maharashtra on Tuesday declared that the fisheries sector would be included in the agriculture category, bringing the fishermen into the ambit of facilities and concessions akin to those available to farmers.

It will allow fishermen and conservationists to avail of benefits such as water, electricity, and other sec infrastructure facilities.

State Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane described the cabinet decision as "historic and revolutionary".

He remarked that there will be 4,83,000 beneficiaries among fishermen.

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"The fisheries sector in Maharashtra has the potential for substantial production and generate income, just like traditional agriculture. Due to the lack of agricultural status, fishermen, aqua-culturists, and fish farmers were deprived of several basic facilities and benefits," he told reporters.

Rane did add that strengthening the rural economy will be furthered since fisheries stakeholders would be accessing an extensive range of infrastructural facilities and subsidies towards their livelihood.

"There will be a significant increase in the state's fish production. Just as farmers benefit from subsidies for seeds, tractors, ploughs and fertilisers, fishermen will now receive subsidies for purchasing fish seed, feed, paddle-wheel aerators, and air pumps," the minister informed.

"It provides insurance to fish farmers and aquaculturists against loss of fish seed and production in the case of calamities, just like crop insurance for farmers."

In case of natural calamities, including droughts or excessive rainfall, relief packages will be given to fishermen similar to those given to farmers, he remarked.

Rane also mentioned that these fish farmers or projects are going to be charged for energy at agricultural rates for their own use.

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"Granting agriculture status to fisheries will drive economic development in coastal and inland regions, create employment opportunities, and generate income. Since fishermen are now recognised as agricultural farmers, they will receive subsidies on electricity charges," Rane stated.

He pointed out that fisheries have contributed greatly to the foreign exchange earnings of the country and the supply of protein-rich food in India.

"Fish farmers will be eligible for Kisan Credit Cards, agricultural-rate loans from banks, and insurance coverage at subsidised agricultural rates," the minister said, noting that the fisheries sector contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings and the supply of protein-rich food for the country.

"Like agriculture, the fisheries sector in Maharashtra can generate strong production and income. Fishermen will get facilities like electricity subsidies, Kisan Credit Cards, loans at agricultural rates, discounted insurance, and equipment subsidies, leading to increased fish production," he added. PTI

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