Fishery Sector Gets Industry Status in Madhya Pradesh

On July 20, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced that fish farming in Madhya Pradesh will now be treated as a modern industry and will receive the same benefits as other sectors. Speaking at a state-level Nishadraj Sammelan and training event in Ujjain, the CM emphasized the strategic importance of fisheries in economic growth.

The Chief Minister noted that fishery is no longer a traditional practice but has become an organized industry. Investment and production will increase, creating new job opportunities, particularly for the youth.

He also highlighted the government’s initiatives: 453 smart fish parlors with an investment of ₹22.65 crores and a ₹92 crore cage fishery project at Indira Sagar Dam, with 3,360 cages being virtually inaugurated.

A ₹40 crore state-of-the-art aqua park is under construction in Bhopal. Additionally, 430 motorcycles equipped with ice boxes were distributed to fishermen to aid in fish transportation. Fish farming currently spans 4.4 lakh hectares in MP, producing 3.81 lakh metric tons in 2024–25.

With 2 lakh registered fish farmers, including many women, the state also plans a ₹217 crore hatchery project to end reliance on seed imports from Bengal. The government aims to make Madhya Pradesh a leading state in both dairy and fish production.

CM Yadav also pointed out that the state’s irrigated land has expanded from 7 lakh hectares under the previous government to 55 lakh hectares. With the PKC (Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal) Link Project, this is expected to reach 100 lakh hectares, benefiting aquaculture significantly.