New Delhi: The Government of India has outlined the transformation and strengthening of fisheries cooperatives in Raigarh district of Maharashtra through their upgradation into Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), as part of broader efforts to modernise the fisheries sector under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah informed Parliament that while the National Cooperation Policy (NCP) 2025 does not prescribe specific targets for Primary Fishery Cooperative Societies, the Department of Fisheries is facilitating the formation of 6,000 new Fisheries Cooperative Societies (FCS) across the country during the period 2024–25 to 2028–29. This initiative is being implemented through the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and provides financial assistance of ₹3 lakh per society to support establishment, maintenance and training.
In Raigarh district, 18 new fisheries cooperatives were formed during 2024–25, each receiving a grant of ₹3 lakh towards capacity building and operational support.
The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has also been designated as an implementing agency for strengthening 1,000 Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies (PFCS) as Fish Farmer Producer Organisations across coastal states and Union Territories under the central sector component of PMMSY. Under this initiative, 18 Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies in Raigad district have been strengthened and upgraded as FFPOs, aimed at improving collective marketing, access to inputs and better price realisation for members.
The Centre also highlighted earlier interventions under “Mission Blue Revolution: Integrated National Fisheries” (2016–2020), under which Maharashtra was included in the national action plan. In the inland fisheries segment, pond-based aquaculture expansion targeted an increase in annual fish production and included the establishment of carp hatcheries and fingerling rearing infrastructure.
In marine fisheries, focus areas included mechanisation, modern fishing harbours and infrastructure for traditional fishing communities, along with replacement of ageing fishing vessels with deep-sea boats to encourage sustainable harvesting. In the brackish water segment, shrimp and sea bass hatcheries, mud crab grow-out ponds and open sea cage culture infrastructure were also created. Post-harvest infrastructure such as fishing harbours and fish landing centres were established to strengthen the value chain.
For the implementation of these initiatives, the Department of Fisheries had provided a budget of ₹8,853 lakh for the five-year period, and under PMMSY, Maharashtra has been allocated a central share of ₹345 crore.
According to the government, these investments have contributed to higher fish production and exports, strengthened value chains and improved the economic empowerment of fishing communities in the state. District-level details, including those for Raigarh, are maintained by the respective State Fisheries Department.
To further promote inclusive growth, financial assistance of up to 60 per cent of project costs is being provided under PMMSY for beneficiary-oriented projects, with special focus on women and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe members of fisheries cooperatives. Additional incentives are being extended under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana, including support for aquaculture insurance, microenterprise development, adoption of safety and quality standards, and entrepreneur-led models in fisheries and aquaculture.
These measures form part of the Government of India’s broader strategy to strengthen fisheries cooperatives, promote sustainable aquaculture and accelerate the growth of the blue economy in Maharashtra and across the country.
