"Maharashtra fisheries have a wide scope for regional economic development that underlines the need for the Aqua Chamber of Commerce"

Maharashtra is one of the major marine fish producing states in India. It has a 720 kms long coastal line spread all over the 7 maritime districts namely Thane, Palghar, Mumbai city, Mumbai suburban, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. The continental shelf area upto 40 fathoms i.e. 55,529 sq kms (50 per cent of the total continental shelf) is being exploited.

- SUDHIR MUNGANTIWAR,

There are 25 zones in the seven districts and 173 fish landings centres in the state. During 2021-22 total fish production in Maharashtra was 5,89,436 tonnes valued at Rs 8,570 crore out of which 1,56,688 tonnes valued at Rs 1915 crore came from Inland sources and 4,32,748 tonnes valued at Rs 6,655 crore from marine sources. The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) from Fishery is estimated at Rs 6,300 crore. AgroSpectrum recently had the opportunity to speak with Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister for Fisheries, Maharashtra, to discuss his views on the fisheries sector. Edited excerpts: 

Since taking office, what decisions has this government made to improve the fisheries sector, especially in the latest budget?

The Central Government announced the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which has received approval for a total estimated investment of Rs 20,050 crore. This comprises a Central share of Rs 9407 crore and a State share of Rs 4880 crore for a period of 5 years, from 2020-21 to 2024-25.

The scheme aims for the Ecologically healthy, economically viable and socially inclusive fisheries sector that contributes towards economic prosperity and well-being of fishers, fish farmers and other stakeholders, food and nutritional security of the country in a sustainable and responsible manner.

To promote cage culture in both inland and marine sectors, the state government has issued two government resolutions, dated January 18, 2023, and January 24, 2023, respectively.

To enhance fish/prawn seed production of the state and fulfil the requirements of fish farmers, the state government has directed that the government fish/prawn seed production and rearing centres be leased out for 15 years through an e-tender process.