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.

This information was given by Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in the Lok Sabha in response to a question asked.

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JP

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