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The initiative stems from the understanding that both agriculture and fishing are professions deeply dependent on nature. While multiple welfare schemes exist for farmers, fishermen have often remained outside such frameworks
Fishermen will also become eligible for benefits under government insurance schemes and compensation in the event of natural calamities, like what farmers currently receive. Representational image/PTI
The Maharashtra government is working on a policy to grant “farmer” status to 12 lakh fishermen across the state. According to sources within the fisheries department, the draft policy is in the final phase of administrative approval. Once it receives the green signal from the finance department and the chief minister’s office (CMO), it will be tabled before the state cabinet for final approval, likely within the coming week.
Sources revealed that the policy, once approved, will benefit all 12 lakh inland and marine fishermen in the state. If passed, Maharashtra will become the first state in the country to implement such a policy. Although Andhra Pradesh had previously worked on a similar plan, it never received final approvals and remained only on paper.
The initiative stems from the understanding that both agriculture and fishing are professions deeply dependent on nature. While multiple welfare schemes exist for farmers, fishermen have often remained outside such frameworks. Granting them the status of “farmer” would allow them to access central and state government schemes that are currently exclusive to the agricultural sector.
During the last budget session of the Maharashtra assembly, minister Nitesh Rane had expressed his intention to introduce such a policy. Then-deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had also given in-principle approval as part of the government’s “Under 100 Days” programme.
“The biggest benefit of this policy is that fishermen will be able to secure bank loans to upgrade their boats from wooden to fibre or electric models, reducing their dependence on private moneylenders. The government will need to bear an annual expense of Rs 70 to Rs 80 crore for this initiative,” said a government source.
Fishermen will also become eligible for benefits under government insurance schemes and compensation in the event of natural calamities, like what farmers currently receive. The fisheries department is also planning to promote seaweed cultivation among fishermen. This will help generate alternative income during the monsoon season when marine fishing is prohibited. In addition, there is a renewed focus on enhancing inland fishing capacities. To this end, the department is conducting meetings with fishermen across all districts to develop a roadmap for increasing inland fish production.