Fish curry in government hostels after Sankranti

The Telangana government is preparing to introduce fish-based meals in government hostels and sports schools after Sankranti. The initiative aims to improve the nutritional intake of students, and the planning for the new menu has already been completed.

To support the welfare of fishermen, the government is also launching several new schemes. Beginning in January, 4.21 lakh fishermen from 6,152 societies will be provided with insurance coverage. Similar to the Rythu Bima scheme, the new insurance will offer Rs 5 lakh for accidental or natural death, Rs 2.5 lakh for partial disability, and Rs 25,000 for hospitalization due to accidents.

Since Minister Vakiti Srihari assumed responsibility for the fisheries department, the government has significantly accelerated initiatives to improve fishermen’s incomes. Over the past two months, 84.62 crore fish seedlings worth Rs 93 crore have been distributed entirely free of cost. Nearly 60% of this distribution has already been completed.

For the first time, the government released 10 crore prawn seedlings at a cost of Rs 28 crore into 300 water bodies across 33 districts. Officials estimate that these efforts will generate indirect employment opportunities for around 10 lakh families.

To improve fish farming skills, the government is conducting regular training programs for fishermen. To avoid the lapses witnessed in previous administrations, the current government has prioritized the distribution of high-quality fish seedlings. A total of Rs 122 crore has been allocated Rs 30 crore more than the previous government’s provisions.

In perennial water sources, fish varieties like bochu, ravva, and mariga were released at 80–100 mm size, while in seasonal water bodies, 35–40 mm fish seedlings were released with the help of local representatives.

The government is also focusing on modernizing fish markets. A state-of-the-art wholesale fish market is being built in Kohida at a cost of Rs 47.03 crore, while similar markets are under development in Sheriguda and Arsapally, each costing Rs 2 crore.

Under the “Mahila Shakti” program, 35 mobile fish outlets are being provided to women belonging to village organizations and self-help groups. The National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management is offering training in fish cooking and marketing.

Fishermen will soon receive new fishing nets, boats, modern equipment, and transport vehicles. A special Rs 8 crore pilot project is being implemented to promote native fish species, modeled after successful programs in Assam and Odisha.

A new Fisheries Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme is being introduced, enabling fishermen to avail collateral-free loans up to Rs 2 lakh. The card will be valid for 5 years, with only 4% interest per year.

For the first time, the government is also setting up a Rs 2.5 crore murrel fish production farm in the Karimnagar district. The fisheries department estimates a substantial increase in murrel production within the next few months.

To expand the export potential, the government is preparing a strategy to make Telangana’s fish produce globally competitive. Plans are underway to launch a special brand named “Telangana Fish”. Teams will soon visit Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry to study best practices in fish farming.

Minister Srihari has directed officials to ensure that Telangana becomes a leading fish-producing state in the country. The government has also assured full financial support to all fisheries development programs.