Financial Assistance to Fresh Water Aquaculture Farms

Financial Assistance to Fresh Water Aquaculture Farms is a state government scheme by Department of Fisheries, Goa, made for fish farmers who want to build, renovate or improve freshwater fish and shrimp farms in the state. The scheme stays open for individual farmers, self-help groups, societies and registered associations, with money support given for farm construction and renovation, purchase of farming equipment, and purchase of seed and feed.

For financial year 2026-27, the benefit structure remains unchanged (as of August 2026). Freshwater aquaculture farms get a 25% subsidy on construction and feed, and a 50% subsidy on farming equipment. The state government had set aside ₹93.63 crore for fisheries schemes in the 2025-26 budget, and applications under this scheme continue to be accepted through the offline process.

Financial Assistance to Fresh Water Aquaculture Farms - Goa

Freshwater fish culture is a traditional activity in Goa, especially in village common ponds where rainwater collects during the monsoon. This scheme encourages scientific fish farming so that production improves and local families get a steady supply of fish. Eligible farmers can use the money support to develop farms properly and reduce their own cost of investment.

All applications are submitted offline. The prescribed application forms are published on the official portal of Government of Goa, and filled forms along with required documents can be submitted to the Directorate of Fisheries at Panaji or to the Fisheries Officer attached to the block development office in the applicant's area.

Benefits

Financial support under this scheme is spread across three categories. Farmers can apply for construction and renovation of the farm, purchase of farming equipment, and buying feed for the fish stock. The subsidy percentages are fixed and the limits are capped per hectare.

Farmers who run brackish water farms can also check the related scheme of Financial Assistance to Brackish Water Aquaculture Farms, which follows a similar subsidy pattern.

Eligibility

To apply under this scheme, the applicant should meet the conditions given below. The department checks residency and the type of farming activity before approving the subsidy.

• Applicant should be a fish farmer, individual, registered self-help group, society or association involved in freshwater fish or prawn farming within the State of Goa.
• Applicant should be a resident of Goa for at least the last fifteen years. For example, a person living in Panaji for sixteen years can apply under this scheme.
• Farm area should match the limits set under the scheme, with construction support normally limited to 2 hectares per applicant.

Application Process

Application is made in the offline mode. The forms are simple print and fill forms available on the official portal, and they must be submitted to the fisheries office with supporting papers.

STEP 1 - Download and print the prescribed application form from the official portal of Government of Goa, or collect it from the fisheries office.

STEP 2 - Fill in all mandatory fields and attach a passport-sized photograph, joint photograph with spouse where asked, and the required self-attested documents.

STEP 3 - Submit the completed form to the Directorate of Fisheries, Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa - 403 521, or to the Fisheries Officer at the local BDO office or sub-office.

Complaint Help - If there is any problem with the application or payment, the applicant can contact the Grievance Redressal Officer by email at dir-fish.goa@nic.in. The department normally acknowledges the complaint and gives a final answer within 30 days.

Documents

Keep the documents listed below ready before filling the form, because incomplete applications are generally returned. Self-attested copies are preferred for most papers.

• Application in the prescribed form, duly filled and signed.
• Joint photograph of the applicant and spouse.
• Aadhaar card or ration card for proof of identity and residence.
• Copy of CAA license where the farm is covered under coastal aquaculture rules.
• Mandate form for payment details.
• Copy of work estimate and work completion certificate of the farm.

References

Department of Fisheries, Goa | Citizen Charter 2026 | Application Form: Farm Construction or Renovation | Application Form: Feed and Seed | Application Form: Farm Equipment | Department of Fisheries (MoFAH&D): Goa Schemes 2025-26

FAQ's

Are there any annual limits on the subsidy for equipment purchase?

Yes, the 50% subsidy for equipment is capped at ₹60,000 per hectare per year.

How to reach the Grievance Redressal Officer?

The complaint can be sent by email to dir-fish.goa@nic.in or by visiting the fisheries office in Panaji. The department responds within 30 days.

Is there a deadline to apply for this scheme?

The scheme does not state any fixed last date. Applications can be submitted once the project details and documents are finalised.

Where to find the application forms?

Forms are available on the official portal at goa.gov.in/department/fisheries under the fisheries downloads section.

What is the maximum area covered under the construction subsidy?

Construction and renovation support is provided for a maximum of 2 hectares per applicant.