Govt aims to boost aquaculture in northern states

Aquaculture clusters will be set up in Muktsar Sahib (Punjab) and Sirsa (Haryana) under the initiative.

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Meanwhile, under the government’s flagship programme–Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)–Punjab has attracted investment of ₹187 crore while fish production in the state was 0.18 million tonne (MT) in 2023-24. According to an official note, modern aquaculture practices have added close to ₹500 crore to farmer’s income over the past five years in Punjab.

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Abhilaksh Likhi, secretary, Department of Fisheries, during a recent visit to Punjab, highlighted the need for technology-driven fish farming, species diversification, and farmer training to boost rural incomes.

Between 2013–14 and 2024–25, the inland fisheries production rose by more than 142%, rising from 6.1 million tonne to 14.73 MT. Total fish production reached 19.5 MT in FY25, a 104% increase over FY14.