The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 an integrated fisheries development plan focused on reservoir and Amrit Sarovar ecosystems. The Government of India proposes integrated development covering 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars across states and Union Territories (UTs), with Kosardeda reservoir included in the Bastar constituency in Chhattisgarh. The programme is positioned around harvesting fisheries potential from these water bodies and strengthening livelihoods for fishermen associated with reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars, with emphasis on women-led participation through women self-help groups (SHGs) and fisher institutions such as fisheries cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs).

What happened (Budget 2026-27 announcement)

The Union Budget 2026-27 announced integrated development of fisheries and aquaculture by undertaking integrated development of reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars. The Government of India links reservoir and Amrit Sarovar fisheries development to strengthening livelihoods of fishermen and engagement of women SHGs, fisheries cooperatives, and FFPOs.

Programme components: seed, on-water production, and value-chain infrastructure

The Government of India states that the integrated development initiative includes the following components:

• Strengthening quality seed production through establishment of a hatchery. • Promotion of cage and pen culture in reservoirs. • Promotion of composite fish culture and integrated fish farming in Amrit Sarovars. • Provision of boats and nets to reservoir fishermen. • Establishment of fisheries infrastructure such as fish feed mill, cold storage, ice plant, fish kiosk and retail fish market, fish transport vehicle, and fish value addition units.

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