AI SummaryDevelopment Scheme for Fisheries supports local fishermen, boat owners, and cooperatives in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu by offering back-ended subsidies and insurance cover to upgrade infrastructure, preserve catch, and promote sustainable fishing practices. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Fisheries of the Union Territory administration and continues to be available in 2026.
Development Scheme for Fisheries - Introduction
Development Scheme for Fisheries is a key scheme run by the Department of Fisheries, Union Territory Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. It works to build vital infrastructure and provide common facilities that lift up the local fisheries sector.
Through this scheme, the administration gives back-ended financial help in the form of subsidies to registered Fisheries Co-operative Societies, insurance companies, boat owners, active fishermen, and local entrepreneurs. It supports important upgrades such as building cold storage units, fish preservation plants, solar fish dryers, and installing modern ice-making machines on fishing vessels. To keep professional quality, the department brings in experts from the National Fisheries Development Board and the Marine Products Export Development Authority to help prepare detailed project reports. The scheme also creates a group insurance corpus fund to protect fishing vessels, with all benefits subject to specific conditions.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Development Scheme for Fisheries |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary Type | Individual and Registered Societies |
| States Covered | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Benefit Type | Cash Subsidy |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Fisheries Department |
Benefits
This scheme offers financial relief through back-ended subsidies to help modernize operations and protect livelihoods. Below is the financial breakdown:
| Item | Maximum Cost | Subsidy Percentage | Maximum Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold storage / Fish Processing Plant | ₹80 Lakh | 25% | ₹20 Lakh |
| Solar Fish Dryer Plant | ₹50 Lakh | 50% | ₹25 Lakh |
| Purchase of Crane by Societies | ₹100 Lakh | 50% | ₹50 Lakh |
| Ice Making Machine on fishing vessels | ₹10 Lakh | 50% | ₹5 Lakh |
| Group insurance corpus per boat | ₹0.50 Lakh | 50% | ₹0.25 Lakh |
For insurance of a fishing boat, participation in the combined corpus fund for the region is required. The beneficiary and the Government each contribute 50% to this fund, which is managed in a joint account at a nationalized bank. This fund protects the boat owner in the event of a total loss of a registered fishing boat. For example, a one-time payment of ₹1,000 is made, and the Government matches it with another ₹1,000 to start the insurance pool. Coverage is required for all boat owners in the territory.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, the following criteria must be met:
- A fishing vessel registered in Daman or Diu under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 must be owned.
- A valid Vessel Registration Certificate obtained through the online 'Realcraft' portal must be held.
- The applicant must be an active fisherman or an entrepreneur engaged in fisheries-related work.
- Residence in the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu is required.
- The fishing boat must operate primarily from the Daman or Diu district.
- Registered Fisheries Co-operative Societies are also eligible to apply for machinery and infrastructure grants.
- For boat insurance cover, the 50% share of the corpus fund must be contributed as a one-time payment.
Application Process
To apply for these benefits, the office of the Fisheries Department in the district must be visited. Staff there guide applicants through the offline process, review eligibility, and help submit the required forms to receive the back-ended subsidy.
Documents
The following documents should be kept ready for the application:
- Valid government identity proof
- Recent passport size photographs
- Proof of valid residence
- Ration Card
- Bank account details for subsidy transfer
- Vessel Registration Certificate (Realcraft)
- Any other documents as requested by the department
References
Click here to view the official scheme details and subsidy pattern
FAQ's
What is the primary objective of the Development Scheme for Fisheries?
The main objective is to establish common facilities and infrastructure to boost the growth of the fisheries sector within Daman and Diu.
Does the scheme provide consultancy support?
Yes, the department hires experts from the National Fisheries Development Board or Marine Products Export Development Authority to help prepare the required Detailed Project Reports.
Does the scheme support modern fishing infrastructure?
Yes, assistance is available for setting up cold storage, fish preservation plants, solar fish dryers, and for installing modern ice-making machines on vessels.
Is financial assistance provided as a direct cash transfer?
No, the assistance is provided as a back-ended subsidy after the successful setup or purchase of the approved items.
Who is eligible to receive financial assistance?
Registered Fisheries Co-operative Societies, insurance companies, and individual boat owners or entrepreneurs operating in Daman and Diu who meet the registration criteria are eligible.
What happens if a fishing boat is lost?
The group insurance corpus fund, to which the owner and the government contribute, provides financial support to boat owners in the event of a total loss of a registered fishing boat.
Is insurance required for all boat owners?
Yes, all fishing boat owners in Daman and Diu must be covered under this scheme to ensure protection across the fleet.