Big announcements have been made for fish farmers.
Budget 2026 Announcement: In Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has paid special attention to other works related to agriculture. In this, emphasis has been laid on promoting plantation crops of South India like coconut, cocoa, cashew and sandalwood as well as fisheries. Apart from this, many schemes have been brought to help farmers, people associated with animal husbandry, veterinary doctors and especially rural businesses run by women.
An important announcement of the budget is the simultaneous development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars. This will strengthen fisheries in coastal areas. Also, fishermen will get a chance to connect directly with the market through startups, women’s groups and fish farmer producer organizations.
More loan facilities than KCC
Currently, 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers take small loans through Kisan Credit Card (KCC). Now under the interest subsidy scheme, the loan limit from KCC will be increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, which will provide more help to the farmers.
promotion of marine products
To further strengthen India in the international seafood market, the basic custom duty on frozen fish paste (surimi) will be reduced from 30% to 5%. Apart from this, duty on fish hydrolysate used in making fish and shrimp feed will also be reduced from 15% to 5%.
India’s seafood exports
India ranks second in the world in fish production and aquaculture. Sea food worth about Rs 60 thousand crore is exported from the country. To harness the full potential of the marine sector, the Government will bring in new mechanisms for proper and sustainable utilization of fishery resources in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas. In this, special attention will be given to Andaman-Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.