Telangana Unveils Fisheries Growth Plan for 26,000 Tanks and 100 Reservoirs

The Telangana Government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the state's fisheries sector by expanding fish production across 26,000 tanks and 100 reservoirs, while rolling out new welfare initiatives to improve the livelihoods of fishing communities. The initiative is aimed at increasing inland fish production, generating rural employment and enhancing the contribution of fisheries to the state's economy.

Speaking at a meeting with presidents and promoters of district fisheries cooperative societies in Hyderabad, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Fisheries, Youth Services and Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari said the government is committed to the welfare of fishermen through infrastructure development, financial support and institutional reforms. He noted that Telangana's extensive network of irrigation tanks, many of which have been restored under Mission Kakatiya, offers significant potential for expanding inland aquaculture and boosting fish output.

The minister said the government is preparing a detailed action plan to increase fish cultivation across the state's water bodies while ensuring that the benefits reach fishermen directly. Besides expanding production, the government is working on measures to improve post-harvest infrastructure and marketing facilities. Plans include providing insurance coverage for fishermen, distributing mopeds to facilitate fish transportation and establishing retail fish outlets to enable direct sales, reducing dependence on intermediaries and improving earnings.

To strengthen coordination with fishing communities, Vakiti Srihari announced that quarterly review meetings would be held with district fisheries cooperative society representatives to address operational challenges and monitor the implementation of welfare programmes. He also assured that the free fish seed distribution programme would continue, helping replenish tanks and reservoirs with quality fingerlings to sustain higher fish production. The government, he added, is making special efforts to clear pending financial dues owed to fishermen.

In a move that could simultaneously support public health and the fisheries sector, the minister said the government is examining the feasibility of including fish in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme for schoolchildren. As a rich source of high-quality protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients, fish could help improve children's nutrition while creating a stable domestic market for locally produced fish.

The government is also planning to resolve membership disputes in fisheries cooperative societies from the district level to village-level organisations to ensure smoother functioning of cooperatives and wider participation by fishermen. Strengthening these institutions is expected to improve access to government schemes, financial assistance and marketing support.