Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated state-of-the-art Deep Sea Fishing Vessels under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana at Mazgaon Dock, Mumbai, on 27th October 2025. The event marks a major stride in India’s mission to modernize its fisheries sector while empowering poor fishermen through cooperative models, furthering the government’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and a robust blue economy.
Milestone for Fisheries and Cooperative Sector
The trawlers provided under this initiative are equipped with advanced technology, allowing extended deep-sea fishing sessions of up to 25 days and a carrying capacity of 20 tons. This will enable Indian fishing cooperatives, especially in states with long coastlines, to access the Exclusive Economic Zone and high seas, unlocking new opportunities for high-value fisheries such as tuna. The initial phase will see 14 trawlers handed over, with a long-term goal of providing 200 trawlers within five years. The cost per vessel is approximately ₹1.2 crore, funded by the Government of India, Department of Fisheries, National Cooperative Development Corporation, and the Government of Maharashtra.
Cooperative-Driven Growth and Social Equity
Shri Amit Shah emphasized that the cooperative model—already proven successful in dairy and sugar industries—will now ensure that the hard-working fishermen, not middlemen, are direct beneficiaries of profits. Through collective ownership and profit-sharing, the profits from the fishing sector will reach every fisherman’s household. The initiative was celebrated as a transformative model that can uplift millions, mirroring the success seen with Amul and sugar cooperatives in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Shah stated that a human-centric approach, going beyond GDP to social empowerment, will drive true prosperity across India’s vast coastal regions.
Supporting Infrastructure and Ecological Sustainability
The government will further support cooperatives with processing centers, chilling plants, larger collection vessels, and export facilities. Integration with Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and other central schemes will ensure sustainable harvesting, value addition, better price realization, and international market access. Modern vessels will introduce digital traceability and ensure operations align with responsible fishing and environmental conservation.
Conclusion
The launch of deep sea fishing vessels under cooperative management stands as a significant leap towards realizing the government’s goals of economic self-reliance, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable ocean resource management. It marks a pivotal moment where technological modernization intersects with traditional livelihoods, promising a new era of prosperity for India’s coastal communities.
