₹123 crore allocated for Telangana’s annual fish‑seed distribution drive

The Telangana government is scaling up its fisheries drive, distributing 84 crore fish seedlings and 10 crore prawn (shrimp) seedlings across 26,000 tanks this year, aimed at boosting aquaculture, sustaining fishermen’s livelihoods, and strengthening the state’s “blue revolution.” The Fisheries Department has been allocated ₹123 crore this year, up from ₹107 crore last year, reflecting increased investment to expand the program.

In the Husnabad constituency, Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Vakiti Srihari released 3 lakh fish seedlings, worth ₹5.17 lakh, at Ellamma Cheruvu. This supports 253 fishermen families, while a total of 38.92 lakh seedlings are being distributed in the constituency to benefit 4,144 families. To reinforce transparency, signboards showing the size and number of seedlings are being installed at every tank.

During the event, Minister Prabhakar called for modernization of the local Veterinary Hospital, completion of a modern Fish Market, approval for a Veterinary Doctor post, and resolution of long‑pending issues around Gopal Mitra. Minister Srihari committed to establishing a Veterinary Hospital, a Fish Market, a Storage Centre, and a Milk Chilling Centre in Husnabad, and announced that fish will now be added to the Gurukulam school menu, blending nutrition and economic opportunity. These infrastructure improvements are also part of a broader strategy to develop Husnabad into both a fisheries and tourism hub.

Fisheries Corporation Chairman Mettu Sai Kumar emphasized the state’s focus on transparent, corruption‑free distribution of seedlings, noting that these measures ensure maximum benefits reach the fishing communities. This year’s initiative builds on the strong foundation set last year. In the previous cycle, Telangana announced the release of 85.6 crore fishlings and 10 crore shrimp seedlings into 26,357 water bodies. The continuity and scale of these annual stocking programs reflect Telangana’s sustained push to expand inland fisheries, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.

Fish farming in Telangana can be highly profitable when managed efficiently. Farmers primarily cultivate carp species and prawns, with yields ranging from 2,500-3,500 kg per hectare per crop cycle. Market prices for fish and prawns can generate gross revenue of ₹7-10 lakh per hectare, while costs including feed, labor, and maintenance generally amount to ₹2-3 lakh per hectare, leaving a net profit of around ₹3-5 lakh per hectare per crop. Government support, such as free fish seedlings, subsidies, veterinary services, and improved market infrastructure, further enhances profitability. However, risks such as disease outbreaks, poor water quality, and market price fluctuations remain. Reports indicate that many fishermen families have seen substantial income growth due to these programs, and integrated initiatives like adding fish to school menus and developing Husnabad as a fisheries hub strengthen both economic and nutritional outcomes.