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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 345
ANSWERED ON 21st July, 2026
Registered Fishermen Families
345. Shri Murasoli S:
Will the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying be pleased to
state:
(a) the number of registered fishermen families in Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu
and the assistance disbursed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
(PMMSY) during the last three years;
(b) whether the Government is aware of the fact that inland fishermen dependent on
the Cauvery river system have reported declining catch due to reduced water flow and
also the steps taken by the Government to rectify the same; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to promote inland aquaculture as an
alternative livelihood in delta districts?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
(SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)
(a) As per the information received from Government of Tamil Nadu, a total number of
1,480 inland fish farmers are registered with the District Fish Farmers Development
Agency (DFFDA) and a total number of 1,234 inland fishermen are registered in inland
fishermen cooperative societies in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. Funds to the tune of
Rs. 196.30 Lakhs have been disbursed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada
Yojana (PMMSY), during the last three years (2021-22 to 2023-24) for the
implementation of the projects namely construction of freshwater finfish hatchery (2
units), construction of seed rearing ponds (07 ha), construction of new grow out ponds
and input assistance (25 ha), input subsidy assistance for grow out ponds (25 ha),
establishment of small Biofloc units (09 units) and establishment of re-circulatory
aquaculture system (01 unit).
(b) As informed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) the Central Inland
Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) has conducted a study in the Cauvery River stretch
in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu. The study revealed that extensive diversion of river
water for agricultural purposes through a well-developed canal network has resulted in
reduced flow in this stretch for most of the year. The river stretch receives water mainly
during the monsoon season and through regulated releases from upstream reservoirs.
Consequently, riverine capture fisheries in the Thanjavur stretch remain seasonal, with
limited intensity.Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) implemented by the
Department of Fisheries, Government of India (DoF, GoI), the River Ranching
Programme was implemented in Tamil Nadu, under which 176 lakh advanced fingerlings
were released in river stretches across the State (including 59.76 lakh in Cauvery riverine
system) to enhance fishery resources and conserve native fish biodiversity, enhance fish
catches and protect the livelihood of inland fishers. This stocking is anticipated to
increase the fish production to 220 tonnes in the Cauvery river system thereby enhancing
inland fish production and supporting the livelihood of inland fishers.
(c) The DoF, GoI since 2015, has substantially stepped-up investment in fisheries sector
through various schemes for holistic development of fisheries, inland aquaculture and
welfare of fishermen in the country including delta districts of Tamil Nadu (Thanjavur,
Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai and Cuddalore). The Government of Tamil
Nadu has implemented several activities under the PMMSY and the state schemes to
enhance the fish production, area expansion under aquaculture, promotion of
sustainable livelihoods and intensive aquaculture by adopting technologies such as
Biofloc Systems and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). In addition, subsidy
assistance is provided under the PMMSY for fishing gear to reduce the operational costs
of inland fishers.
The Government of Tamil Nadu has informed that subsidy assistance under PMMSY
has been provided to 355 beneficiaries from Delta districts for activities such as input
assistance and construction of freshwater finfish hatcheries, new seed rearing ponds,
grow out ponds, establishment of Biofloc units, RAS, ornamental units, and purchase of
fishing gear. The State has also facilitated the stocking of 9.00 lakh fingerlings in
Panchayat tanks covering an area of 450 hectares across the Delta districts during
2024–25 and 2025–26.
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