Reaffirming its commitment to improving the livelihoods of fishermen, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led state government has introduced comprehensive subsidy schemes for fishing boats and fishing gear to strengthen the fisheries sector and promote sustainable fishing practices across Himachal Pradesh.
Under the fishing boat subsidy scheme, eligible reservoir fishermen will receive 70% financial assistance for the purchase of fishing boats. The unit cost of each boat is ₹50,000, of which the state government will bear 70% of the cost and, while the remaining 30% will be borne by the beneficiary.
According to officials, the scheme aims to modernise the fishing fleet operating in major reservoirs, including Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Chamera, Ranjit Sagar and Kol Dam, thereby improving safety, operational efficiency and income opportunities for fishermen.
To avail the subsidy, the applicant must be an active member of a registered primary fisheries cooperative society and should have completed at least 50 fishing days in a financial year.
In another significant initiative, the state government has also introduced the subsidised fishing gear scheme, providing a 90% subsidy on cast nets and gill nets. Under the scheme, riverine fishermen will receive cast nets costing ₹3,000 at a beneficiary contribution of only ₹300, with the state government providing a subsidy of ₹2,700.
Similarly, reservoir fishermen will receive gill nets costing ₹5,000 by paying only ₹500, while the state government will provide a subsidy of ₹4,500. The initiative aims to make quality fishing gear affordable, promote sustainable fishing practices and enhance fish production in rivers and reservoirs across the state.
{{/usCountry}}Similarly, reservoir fishermen will receive gill nets costing ₹5,000 by paying only ₹500, while the state government will provide a subsidy of ₹4,500. The initiative aims to make quality fishing gear affordable, promote sustainable fishing practices and enhance fish production in rivers and reservoirs across the state.
{{/usCountry}}Under the scheme, 4,000 active riverine fishermen will receive cast nets and 3,000 active reservoir fishermen will receive gill nets through the direct benefit transfer (DBT) mechanism.
Eligible beneficiaries must possess a valid fishing licence issued by the fisheries department for at least three consecutive years.
Sukhu said: “The state government is committed to transforming the fisheries sector into a sustainable source of livelihood and employment. These schemes will provide direct financial support to fishermen while strengthening the rural economy.”