Tummalapenta (Andhra Pradesh), May 19: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday released financial assistance worth more than Rs 262 crore for over 1.3 lakh fishermen families across the state during the annual fishing ban period, reaffirming the government’s commitment towards coastal welfare and marine economy development.
Addressing a public gathering at Tummalapenta village in Nellore district, the chief minister said the assistance was being provided under the ‘Matsyakarula Sevalo’ scheme to support fishermen families affected by the seasonal fishing ban imposed from April 15 to June 15 every year to facilitate fish breeding and marine conservation.
Naidu stated that each eligible family would receive Rs 20,000 as direct financial support during the ban period. According to official figures, a total allocation of Rs 261.5 crore has been made this year for the welfare initiative.
Fisheries Welfare Receives Strong Push
The chief minister highlighted that the state government has extended nearly Rs 505 crore in financial assistance to fishermen families over the last two years. He said the fisheries sector remains one of the largest livelihood providers in Andhra Pradesh after agriculture and construction.
Emphasising safety measures for fishermen venturing into deep waters, Naidu said insurance and compensation support systems have been strengthened. During 2024-25, the government cleared 63 insurance claims worth Rs 3.1 crore for families of fishermen who died in accidents. Additionally, 113 pending claims amounting to Rs 5.6 crore were settled during 2025-26.
He said the administration was committed to ensuring that coastal communities do not face economic hardship during the fishing suspension period.
Infrastructure and Coastal Development Projects Announced
The Andhra Pradesh government also announced a series of infrastructure and welfare measures aimed at strengthening the marine economy and improving living standards in coastal villages.
Naidu said nine fishing harbours and eight fish landing centres are being developed across the state with an estimated investment of Rs 3,256 crore. He added that these projects would generate employment opportunities and improve fish exports.
The chief minister noted that Andhra Pradesh has immense potential in fisheries, aquaculture and port-led industrial development due to its long coastline and marine resources. Stressing the global demand for seafood products, he remarked that he would personally work as a “marketing manager” to create wider demand for fish products from the state.
Focus on Technology and Fishermen Safety
Highlighting modernisation efforts, Naidu said 4,550 transponders and communication systems have already been installed in fishing boats to enhance safety at sea. The government is also deploying satellite imagery and drone surveillance systems to monitor coastal activity and prevent illegal intrusion by fishing boats from neighbouring states.
The chief minister visited the Joint Action Task Force for Sea Patrolling Centre along the Nellore coast, where officials demonstrated GPS-based tracking systems designed to alert fishermen when approaching international waters.
Authorities are also issuing warning alerts in Telugu, Tamil and other regional languages through drone-supported systems to improve maritime safety.
Subsidies, Mechanised Boats and Seaweed Cultivation
In another major announcement, the chief minister sanctioned 200 mechanised fishing boats with a 60 per cent subsidy for fishermen communities. The remaining amount can be repaid through easy instalments.
Naidu further said the government would continue providing diesel subsidy support of Rs 9 per litre for mechanised and motorised fishing boats. A subsidy package worth Rs 50 crore has also been proposed for 2026-27.
To improve alternative income opportunities, the government is encouraging seaweed cultivation and modern aquaculture practices. Fishermen youth will also receive skill training programmes aimed at increasing earnings and expanding employment opportunities.
The state government is promoting aquaculture by supplying electricity at a subsidised rate of Rs 1.5 per unit, while fishermen cooperatives are being granted exclusive fish marketing rights in reservoirs and water bodies.
Development Plans for Coastal Villages
Naidu announced that metal roads would be laid connecting 25 fishermen villages in the Nellore region to improve transport and connectivity. He also sanctioned Rs 6.1 crore for desilting the North Buckingham Canal, which is proposed to be developed as an inland waterway.
The chief minister said Thummalapenta village in Kavali constituency would be developed into a model coastal village with better infrastructure and livelihood facilities.
During his visit, Naidu interacted with fishermen, women vendors and traders at the local fish market to understand issues related to fishing practices, pricing and marketing conditions. He later visited a fisherman’s house and shared a traditional meal with the family.
Investments and Employment Opportunities
Speaking about industrial growth, Naidu said Andhra Pradesh is expecting investments worth Rs 23 lakh crore, which could generate nearly 24 lakh employment opportunities across sectors such as defence, aerospace, drones, electronics and space technology.
He also announced that Sagar Defence company would establish operations in the region and assured that local youth would receive priority in employment opportunities arising from the project.
Reiterating the government’s commitment towards protecting marine resources and fishermen rights, Naidu asserted that illegal intrusion by fishing boats from neighbouring states would not be tolerated.
“This coast belongs to our fishermen and there will be no compromise in protecting their rights and livelihoods,” he said.