Maharashtra Cabinet Grants Agricultural Status to Fishing
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a landmark decision, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the agricultural classification of fishing to boost the sector in the state. This move will provide fishermen with various benefits, including compensation and access to loans at agricultural rates, aiming to enhance fish production and create job opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Fishermen receive agricultural status.
- Access to loans at subsidized rates.
- Infrastructure support for the fisheries sector.
- Job creation anticipated from this decision.
- Maharashtra aims to improve its fish production ranking.
Mumbai, April 22 (NationPress) In a significant policy shift, the Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has officially designated fishing as an agricultural activity in a concerted effort to stimulate its development within the state.
The state government is set to offer infrastructure support and incentives to bolster the fisheries sector.
As a result of this pivotal decision, fishermen will now qualify for compensation for damage, akin to agricultural practices.
State Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane informed the media, stating, “Granting agriculture status to fishing is transformative. This initiative positions our state to potentially rank among the top three in the fishing sector. Currently, Maharashtra holds the sixth position in marine fishing, with approximately 483,000 fishermen set to receive benefits similar to those of farmers. Fishermen will access loans at agricultural rates, reduced electricity tariffs, and insurance, along with access to solar energy benefits. Funding will be more accessible.”
He noted that fishermen will enjoy discounts on electricity and benefit from the Kisan Credit Card scheme.
“Fishermen will qualify for loan support at agricultural rates, while fisheries will receive affordable insurance. Financial aid will be available for establishing fish farms leveraging new technologies like aquaculture, alongside grants for cold storage and ice production facilities.”
The Minister emphasized that this decision will create job opportunities.
Fishermen will also be able to benefit from district central cooperative banks, he added.
“This decision will enhance the financial situation of fishermen,” he stated.
The Cabinet's resolution is particularly crucial as Maharashtra currently falls behind other states in fish production.
As per the State Fisheries department, in the fiscal year 2022-23, Maharashtra contributed only 0.59 million metric tonnes to the national fish production of 17.54 million MT, accounting for a mere 3.3 percent.
Maharashtra ranks sixth in marine fishing and seventeenth in inland fishing nationwide.
In terms of fish production, Maharashtra's ranking is considerably low compared to leading states.
States like Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Karnataka have implemented facilities such as subsidized electricity tariffs, Kisan Credit Cards, loan assistance at agricultural rates, insurance subsidies, and equipment discounts to bestow agricultural status upon fisheries. Over the past six years, fish production has surged by 50.43 percent in Andhra Pradesh, 32.15 percent in Chhattisgarh, 49.526 percent in Jharkhand, 45.02 percent in Bihar, and 103.03 percent in Karnataka,” stated sources from the fisheries department.
