Parliament Question: Fisheries cluster zone

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2934 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18th MARCH, 2026 Fisheries cluster zone 2934. Dr. Sikander Kumar: Will the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying be pleased to state: (a) the progress made in integrated development of five hundred reservoirs and the establishment of thirty four fisheries production and processing clusters to strengthen the value chain for high-value species like tuna; (b) whether any specific fiscal measures have been introduced to make fish catch by Indian vessels in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and High Seas duty-free, and how Government plans to treat landings at foreign ports as export of goods to benefit local fishers; and (c) efforts taken in this regard? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH) (a) The Government of India in the Union Budget 2026-27 has announced the development of fisheries and aquaculture by undertaking integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars in the country. In this connection, the Department of Fisheries, Government of India in coordination with States and UTs has formulated plan of action for integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars. Further, under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), integrated development of 23 reservoirs across various States has been approved and progress regularly monitored by Department of Fisheries, Government of India. To maximize the potential of the sector and holistic development of fisheries and aquaculture the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has notified 34 clusters across the country in all States and UTs including Tuna cluster in Andaman & Nicobar Islands under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) by addressing critical gaps through integration of market networks, updation of aquaculture infrastructure private sector participation in the sector. The Department has been actively engaging with the stakeholders and periodic reviewing of the progress made in each of these clusters are being undertaken with the stakeholders for development of these clusters.(b) and (c) The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, on 04th November, 2025, has notified the Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Rules, 2025 under the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976. The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India in consultation with Department of Fisheries, Government of India, also notified the Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by Indian‑Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025, on 9th December 2025, in exercise of its powers under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Article 73, and Entry 10 of 57 of List I of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. These Rules and Guidelines provide that fish harvested in the EEZ or High Seas and landed at Indian ports will be treated as Indian Origin and will be exempted from import duty, ensuring that higher margins flow directly to fishers. Guidelines also facilitates mid‑sea transshipment through the mother-child vessel model. Guidelines and Rules also provide that fish landed at foreign ports will be treated as exports and online issuance of MPEDA Catch Certificates and EIC Health Certificates through integration with ReALCRaft portal will ensure full traceability, global compliance and higher market value for Indian seafood in foreign countries. Besides, as per the announcement in Union Budget 2026-27, the Fish catch by an Indian fishing vessel in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or on the High Seas shall be free of import duty and landing of such fish on foreign port will be treated as export of goods. ****