Fishing ban period relief: Andhra CM disburses Rs 262 crore

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu released over Rs 262 crore to support over 1.3 lakh fishermen families during the annual fishing ban period.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday released over Rs 262 crore under 'Matsyakarula Sevalo' (in the service of fishermen) scheme to provide relief for over 1.3 lakh fishermen families across the state during the annual fishing ban period.

Addressing a public meeting here in Nellore district, the chief minister said the government extended financial assistance of Rs 20,000 to each fisherman's family to help them during the annual fishing ban from April 15 to June 15. The fishing ban is imposed to facilitate breeding.

''Rs 261.5 crore has been allocated to provide relief to 1.3 lakh fishermen families during the fishing ban period,'' a release quoted the CM as saying.

Naidu also noted that the government has provided financial assistance to the tune of Rs 505 crore to the fishermen's families during the ban period over the last two years.

The chief minister further said that the government has taken measures to support the families of fishermen who lose their lives in accidents while fishing.

He noted that Rs 3.1 crore was released towards 63 insurance claims during 2024-25, while Rs 5.6 crore was disbursed towards 113 pending claims during 2025-26.

Naidu observed that the government is promoting seaweed cultivation to improve the livelihood of fishermen. He also announced infrastructure projects, sea surveillance measures and welfare initiatives aimed at strengthening fishermen's livelihood and coastal development.

''The government is committed to ensuring fishermen's families do not face hardship during the fishing ban period, and financial assistance is being provided directly to beneficiaries,'' he said.

The chief minister observed that Andhra Pradesh has immense potential for fisheries, marine-based economic activity and port-led development as the state has a long coastline. He said fish is a nutritious food with strong global demand and asserted that he would personally act as a ''marketing manager'' to create greater demand for fish.

Naidu said that development follows the establishment of ports and assured that the fishermen communities would also benefit from such growth.

He noted that nine fishing harbours and eight fish landing centres across the state, with an estimated investment of Rs 3,256 crore.

Naidu said 4,550 transponders and communication systems have been installed for the safety of fishermen operating in the sea, while boats, nets and compensation are also being provided on time.

He urged fishermen to utilise reservoirs and tanks filled with water for fish cultivation, adding that exclusive fish marketing rights have been entrusted to the fishermen communities.

Naidu said the government is encouraging fishermen to adopt modern technologies and take up seaweed cultivation to generate additional income.

He announced the sanction of 200 mechanised boats to fishermen with a 60 per cent subsidy, with the remaining amount repayable in easy instalments.

Naidu said fishermen youth would be trained in various skills to help double their income, while aquaculture is being encouraged by providing electricity at Rs 1.5 per unit.

The CM said the government is also providing a diesel subsidy of Rs 9 per litre for mechanised and motorised fishing boats and extending a subsidy worth Rs 50 crore during 2026-27.

Naidu announced that metal roads would be laid connecting 25 fishermen villages in the region and stated that Rs 6.1 crore has been sanctioned for desilting the North Buckingham Canal, which would also be developed as an inland waterway.

He highlighted about 200 units of free electricity provided for handloom workers and 500 units of free power for power loom workers.

Naidu also visited the Joint Action Task Force for Sea Patrolling centre established for continuous monitoring along the Nellore coastline.

The Marine Police, Fisheries Department, Forest Department and local fishermen form the task force to prevent intrusion of fishing boats from neighbouring states.

Naidu directed officials to utilise satellite imagery support and reviewed drone-based surveillance systems used to issue warning alerts in Telugu, Tamil and other languages to fishing boats entering Andhra Pradesh waters.

He also reviewed GPS tracking systems designed to issue alerts when local fishing boats approach or enter international waters.

Naidu said large-scale industries are coming to Nellore district, while sectors related to defence, drones, aerospace, electronics and space are being promoted in Rayalaseema.

He said that investments worth Rs 23 lakh crore are expected in Andhra Pradesh, generating nearly 24 lakh jobs.

The chief minister said Sagar Defence company is being established in the region and clarified that employment opportunities arising from the project would be provided only to local people.

''This coast is ours, the boats are ours, and the fishing is ours. There will be no compromise on protecting the rights of fishermen,'' Naidu asserted, adding that intrusion by fishing boats from neighbouring states would not be tolerated.

The chief minister said the fisheries sector provides livelihood opportunities to a large population after agriculture and the construction sector. He alleged that fish production declined drastically during the previous YSRCP government.

The CM also highlighted the salary support provided for Nayee Brahmins and livelihood opportunities for Vadderas and toddy tappers.

Naidu further directed the Fisheries Department to ensure adequate supply of fish seed to reservoirs and water resources across the state and announced that Thummalapenta village in Kavali constituency would be developed as a model village.

Naidu later visited a fishermen family's house here and shared a traditional meal with them.

Following the public meeting, the CM stopped at the local fish market in Tummalapenta village, where he interacted with fishermen, women vendors and traders about livelihoods, fishing practices and market conditions.