The Fisheries Department has started online applications under the Mukhya Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana through the MahaDBT 2.0 portal, offering subsidies ranging from 50% to 100% for freshwater fisheries development. The scheme covers renovation and desilting of community ponds, construction of fish farming ponds, hatchery ponds, solar power systems, aerators, testing kits, mobile fish vending units, solar cool boxes and ice plants. Subsidies vary according to the component and beneficiary category, with reserved-category beneficiaries eligible for higher assistance in several components.

 

A 100% subsidy is available for renovation and rejuvenation of institutional ponds involving projects costing Rs 2 lakh, and for gloves and gumboots provided to women fish vendors. Other assistance includes 75% subsidy for groundwater fish-waste recycling projects costing Rs 24 lakh. Boat purchases, fishing nets and non-mechanised boats also qualify for assistance, with rates varying by category. Applications can be submitted at ‘mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in’ through Aadhaar-based registration or MahaID login. A beneficiary can apply for a maximum of two schemes in one financial year: one main scheme and one interstate study tour. For details, applicants may contact the Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries, Nagpur, at 0712-2554047 or [email protected].