Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is going to inaugurate a fleet of deep-sea fishing vessels at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, marking a landmark step in India’s march toward a cooperative-driven Blue Economy and self-reliant fisheries sector.
The event, jointly organized by the Government of Maharashtra and the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), will see the handing over of advanced vessels to beneficiaries engaged in marine fisheries. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol will join the ceremony.
Each vessel, costing around Rs 1.2 crore, has been financed with combined support from the Government of Maharashtra, NCDC, and the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. These vessels, equipped with modern navigation and fishing technologies, will significantly expand India’s deep-sea fishing capacity beyond the traditional 40–60 nautical miles range, allowing exploration within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the High Seas.
According to the Ministry of Cooperation, this initiative represents a “historic milestone in cooperative-led deep-sea fishing,” reflecting India’s commitment to sustainability, self-reliance, and inclusive growth. It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and modernization of the marine fisheries sector.
The programme also underscores the government’s focus on strengthening fisheries cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), enabling them to function as self-reliant business entities.
The newly formed Joint Working Group (JWG) between the Ministry of Cooperation and the Department of Fisheries aims to accelerate cooperative-led deep-sea fishing through institutional collaboration.
Traditionally, Indian fishermen have relied on small-scale vessels and nearshore fishing practices, resulting in limited catch volumes. The introduction of these technologically advanced vessels is expected to unlock new opportunities in high-value species such as tuna and promote sustainable fishing practices that adhere to global standards.
The event also highlights the convergence of key government programmes – *PMMSY* and the *Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)* -that are instrumental in building cold-chain and value-chain infrastructure for marine produce. These initiatives will enhance quality, traceability, and market access, ultimately improving incomes for coastal communities.
Significantly, the project emphasizes women-led cooperative enterprises, recognizing their growing role in community leadership and socio-economic development.
By integrating modern technology with cooperative strength, the deep-sea fishing initiative is set to bolster India’s seafood exports, generate coastal employment, and reinforce the nation’s position as a major player in global marine trade — all while ensuring ecological balance and sustainable use of marine resources.
The Ministry of Cooperation has invited to join the live coverage of “Inauguration Ceremony of Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)”, organized through the collective efforts of the Government of Maharashtra and the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
To join the program virtually, one can click on the Ministry of Cooperation’s YouTube link: https://youtube.com/live/r9vnupANPMU?feature=share