New Delhi, Oct 26 (NationPress) Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah is set to hand over sophisticated deep-sea fishing vessels, each valued at Rs 1.2 crore, to participants of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai on Monday.

This event will be a significant milestone in cooperative-driven deep-sea fishing, exemplifying India’s dedication to self-reliance, sustainability, and empowering cooperatives within the fisheries domain, as highlighted in an official announcement made on Sunday.

Accompanying the ceremony will be Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis along with his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

The deep-sea fishing vessels, provided under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna, with a cost of Rs 1.2 crore each, receive financial backing from the Government of Maharashtra, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), and the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. This initiative underscores the Modi administration's commitment to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and reinforcing the Blue Economy. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, it signifies a crucial movement towards modernizing India’s marine fisheries sector, augmenting deep-sea fishing capabilities, and fostering cooperative-led development in coastal areas. The goal is to tap into fisheries resources located in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the open seas, as per the statement.

To expedite cooperative-driven deep-sea fishing efforts through cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), a Joint Working Group (JWG) has been established by the Central Department of Fisheries and the Ministry of Cooperation.

Traditionally, India’s marine fisheries sector has operated on a limited scale, with fishermen using conventional vessels and techniques, typically fishing only up to 40–60 nautical miles from the shore. This restricted operational range has limited catch sizes and economic returns.

This new initiative aims to empower fisheries cooperatives and FFPOs to sustainably utilize the vast potential of India’s EEZ and the high seas, especially in regions such as Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is anticipated to open new avenues in high-value fisheries like tuna, thereby boosting India’s seafood exports and enhancing coastal livelihoods.

The launch of the deep-sea fishing vessels at Mazagon Dock represents a crucial moment in the modernization of India’s marine fisheries infrastructure. These newly designed vessels feature advanced technologies that facilitate sustainable harvesting of marine resources, ensuring minimal ecological disruption while maximizing economic returns. The integration of onboard digital systems will improve traceability, safety, and operational efficiency, aligning India’s marine practices with global standards of responsible fishing.

A central highlight of this event is the reinforcement of fisheries cooperatives, which are crucial in empowering coastal communities. The initiative promotes the growth and scaling of Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) and cooperative societies, allowing them to operate as self-sufficient entities. Significantly, the initiative prioritizes the support of women-led cooperative enterprises, acknowledging their essential role in fostering inclusive growth, leadership, and socio-economic transformation within coastal communities.