Himachal Pradesh launches subsidies for fishing boats and gear

The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has launched several subsidy schemes aimed at modernizing the state's fisheries sector and supporting the rural economy.

Under the Fishing Boat Subsidy Scheme, eligible reservoir fishermen can receive 70% financial assistance for the purchase of boats costing up to ₹50,000. Additionally, a Fishing Gear Scheme provides a 90% subsidy on cast nets for riverine fishermen and gill nets for reservoir fishermen, utilizing the Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism to support thousands of active fishermen.

To address post-harvest losses and improve value addition, the government has also approved a 70% subsidy for the establishment of 5-metric-tonne cold storages, freeze-dry units, and refrigerated vans. These initiatives target various stakeholders, including fish farmers, cooperative societies, entrepreneurs, and unemployed youth, with the goal of strengthening the blue economy and creating new employment opportunities.