The Andhra Pradesh government has deposited ₹261.59 crore into the bank accounts of 1.30 lakh fishermen families across the State, under ‘Matsyakarula Sevalo’ scheme in the second consecutive year.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu disbursed the amount at a programme at Thummalapenta village in Kavali mandal of SPSR Nellore district on Tuesday.

“As a ban is imposed on fishing in the sea between April 15 and June 15 every year to facilitate breeding, the State government is providing financial assistance of ₹20,000 to each fisherman’s family during this ban period,” he said.

“The government is providing a diesel subsidy of ₹9 for mechanised boats. In 2026-27, we provided the diesel subsidy worth ₹50 crore to fishing boats. We promise to sanction 200 mechanised boats for our fishermen. We will provide 60% subsidy and the remaining amount will be sanctioned as a loan,” he said.

Referring to the intrusion of fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry into the territorial waters of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Naidu said, “There is no compromise in protecting the interests of our fishermen. We will chase anyone who illegally enters the territorial water of A.P.”

The government is setting up nine fishing harbours and eight fish landing centres at a cost of ₹3,256 crore. The government has installed 4,550 transponders at sea to set up a communication system and protect fishermen. “We are providing boats, nets and compensation in a timely manner. We encourage fishermen households to adopt new technologies,” he said.

Seaweed culture

The Chief Minister announced to encourage fisherwomen and the Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) groups to earn additional income through seaweed cultivation. He launched a programme to train women in seaweed cultivate in coastal areas.

The CSMCRI (Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute), Bhavnagar, under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), will train the women to cultivate seaweed to help them earn their livelihood. The State government will provide the necessary infrastructure for seaweed cultivation.

Mr. Naidu also issued orders to sanction funds for the training of women in seaweed culture. “There is a good demand for protein-rich fish food across the world. I will act as a marketing manager to create a global market for local fish,” he said.