Visitors observe an aquarium tunnel during the inauguration of World Fisheries Day Festival 2025 on the Veterinary College campus in Bengaluru on November 22, 2025.
| Photo Credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.
In a bid to strengthen the State’s fisheries sector, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday announced that the compensation under the Fishermen’s Distress Relief Fund had been increased from ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
Speaking after inaugurating the World Fisheries Day celebrations and Matsya Mela – 2025 on the Hebbal Veterinary College campus, he said the government had released ₹9.48 crore towards 264 compensation cases over the past two years.
The Chief Minister said over 10 lakh people depended on fisheries for their livelihood. Karnataka produced 9.63 lakh tonnes of fish in 2024–25, ranking third in total fish production nationwide.
“Our government has earmarked ₹3,000 crore for the comprehensive development of the fisheries sector. This is a long-term investment in blue economy,” he said.
Traditional fishermen
Reiterating support for traditional fishermen, Mr. Siddaramaiah noted that industrial kerosene was supplied to country boats at a subsidised rate of ₹35 per litre, and the diesel quota for mechanised boats had been increased from 1.5 lakh kilolitres to 2 lakh kilolitres annually. He also announced the government’s intent to establish a fisheries university in Karnataka.
New policy
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, addressing the gathering, said that a new tourism policy was being considered to boost fish-based economic activities.
Fisheries Minister Mankal S. Vaidya announced housing aid for 10,000 fishermen, the State’s first marine ambulance worth ₹7 crore, enhanced closed-season relief from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000, and improved fishing infrastructure across coastal districts.
Published – November 22, 2025 08:37 pm IST
