TG launches fish seed scheme with subsidy

Metro India News | Hyderabad : The Telangana government on Monday launched a 100 per cent subsidised fish and prawn seed distribution programme for the 2026–27 financial year, aiming to boost state fish production to six lakh tonnes and elevate the livelihoods of the local fishing community. Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Vakiti Srihari, alongside Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, formally inaugurated the drive at Nalla Cheruvu in Wanaparthy district.

Speaking at the launch, Vakiti Srihari announced an allocation of Rs 133.32 crore for the state-wide initiative. Under the scheme, the government plans to supply 84.59 crore fish seed across 26,547 water bodies and 10 crore prawn seed to approximately 300 water bodies.

"The primary objective is to maximize the utility of every viable water body in Telangana," Vakiti Srihari said, adding that the initiative will directly and indirectly benefit nearly five lakh fisher families by eliminating upfront seed costs.

The Minister noted that scientific methods are being employed to release the seed and confirmed that around 50 percent of the state’s reservoirs and tanks currently hold sufficient water levels for stocking. MLA Megha Reddy, Wanaparthy Collector Adarsh Surabhi and others also participated in the programme.