Telangana to Establish India’s First Inland International Fish Export Hub at Koheda

In a major boost to Telangana’s fisheries sector, the state government has launched work on what is being described as India’s first inland international wholesale fish market and export hub , a project expected to transform fish marketing, processing and exports while creating thousands of jobs.

State Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Vakiti Srihari laid the foundation stone for the facility at Koheda in Rangareddy district . The project will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹47.03 crore with support under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) . Funding will be shared between the Centre and the State, with the Union government contributing 60 percent and Telangana providing the remaining 40 percent.

Speaking at the event, Srihari said the government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is committed to strengthening the livelihoods of fishing communities and ensuring their long-term economic progress. He noted that fishermen constitute one of the largest occupational groups in the state and deserve greater financial empowerment and institutional support.

The minister emphasized that the Koheda project would mark a significant milestone in the history of Telangana’s fisheries sector. Unlike conventional export hubs located in coastal regions, the new facility will function as an international freshwater fish export centre in an inland state , a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.

According to officials, Telangana has emerged as a national leader in freshwater fish production. During 2025, the state recorded production of 4.20 lakh tonnes of fish and around 15,000 tonnes of freshwater shrimp , highlighting the growing importance of aquaculture to the rural economy.

The upcoming export hub will feature cold storage facilities, fish processing units, packaging centres, a training institute, customs clearance infrastructure and a modern wholesale market . These integrated facilities are expected to improve product quality, reduce post-harvest losses and help producers access domestic and international markets more efficiently.

Officials estimate that the project will generate around 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities , providing a significant economic boost to local communities and strengthening Telangana’s position as a leading fisheries-producing state.