India begins developing inland small-scale fisheries plan; consultations to shape livelihood measures

India has begun developing a separate national action plan for small-scale inland fisheries, with consultations intended to shape how freshwater resources and fishing livelihoods are managed. Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi launched the development phase, according to an October 23 ministry release carried by PIB.

The Department of Fisheries is leading the initiative with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation, under the FAO framework. A two-day workshop in Bhopal identified priorities and a proposed programme of engagement with fishing communities and other stakeholders. The initiative is at the plan-development stage, rather than an already implemented nationwide programme.

Its proposed scope includes fishing in rivers, canals, reservoirs, lakes, floodplain wetlands, tanks and cold-water systems. The development phase is expected to address fishing rights and resource management, employment and decent work, gender equality, value chains, post-harvest trade, disaster risks and climate change.

Officials highlighted deteriorating water quality and falling oxygen levels as concerns, and called for fishing communities' experience to inform climate-resilient approaches. Improving livelihoods and sustainability are stated objectives; the announcement does not establish that incomes or water quality have already improved.

The release says the plan will be finalised through stakeholder consultations before a public launch expected in November, followed by implementation. It gives no exact launch date, new individual benefit amount or application procedure for fishers.

Source: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, via PIB, October 23, 2026. KROV original English/Telugu adaptation of the official release.