Providing Navigational Aids and Other Infrastructure Facilities is a state-level scheme run by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department of Gujarat to help local fishermen. It gives financial support for buying advanced fishing equipment, safety gear, and modern infrastructure to improve operational efficiency, safety, and fish preservation for individual fishermen and eligible entrepreneurs.
The scheme is open for 2026-27 and applications are accepted through the I-Khedut portal. Gujarat fishermen with a registered boat and a valid fishing license can get subsidies ranging from 25% to 75% of the cost depending on the equipment. Support also reaches families of fishermen captured in Pakistan, with help for ice plants, cold storage, and fish processing units.
Providing Navigational Aids and Other Infrastructure Facilities - Introduction
This scheme covers a wide range of needs for the fishing community. Beyond life-saving gear and GPS devices, it supports setting up ice plants, cold storage, fish markets, and processing plants. The aim is to make work at sea safer and to keep the catch fresh for longer, so fishermen can earn more from their effort.
Eligible people can apply for multiple benefits, though some components have time limits such as once in a lifetime or a cooling-off period of 2 to 5 years. The scheme is made for individual fishermen, private entrepreneurs, and fisheries cooperatives depending on the component.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Providing Navigational Aids and Other Infrastructure Facilities |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Gujarat |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural and Environment |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department |
| Application Mode | Online through I-Khedut Portal |
| Official Website | ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in |
Benefits
Financial support under this scheme depends on the equipment or infrastructure chosen. The standard rate of support and the reclaim limit differ for each component, as shown below.
| Component | Standard of Assistance | Reclaim Limit |
| Families of Pakistan captured fishermen | ₹300 per day | As per custody period |
| Life saving equipment | Max ₹20,000 | 2 years |
| Pagdia fishermen | Max ₹7,200 (90% of ₹8,000 unit cost) | 3 years |
| 4 inch gillnet | Max ₹25,000 | 2 years |
| Insulated boxes for boats | 50% of ₹15,000 unit cost | 3 years |
| GPS purchase | 50% of price or max ₹20,000 | 3 years |
| Value added machinery | 50% of cost or max ₹1,00,00,000 | Once in a lifetime |
| Processing Plant Upgradation | 50% of cost or max ₹50,00,000 | Once in a lifetime |
| Ice plant and cold storage | 50% of cost or max ₹50,00,000 | Once in a lifetime |
| Fisheries Co-operative fish units | Max ₹5,00,00,000 | Once in a lifetime |
| Fish market (Metropolitan) | Max ₹3,00,00,000 | Once in a lifetime |
| Fish market (Municipal) | Max ₹1,50,00,000 | Once in a lifetime |
| Fish market (Gram Panchayat) | Max ₹50,00,000 | Once in a lifetime |
| Refrigerator van | 50% of ₹10,00,000 (max ₹5,00,000) | 5 years |
| Fiber rope | 50% of ₹1,00,000 (max ₹50,000) | 3 years |
| Deep freezer | 50% of ₹1,00,000 (max ₹50,00,000) | 3 years |
| New marine engines | 25% of ₹14,00,000 (max ₹3,50,000) | Once in a lifetime |
| IBM/OBM engine | 50% of ₹1,20,000 (max ₹60,000) | 5 years |
| Polypropylene rope | 25% of ₹1,50,000 (max ₹37,500) | 2 years |
| Sea cage culture | 75% of ₹6,25,000 (max ₹4,68,750) | Once in a lifetime |
Eligibility
To get the benefit of this scheme, a person needs to meet the following conditions.
- Must be a native resident of Gujarat.
- Must own a fishing boat registered under the Real Craft Software, as this registration is required.
- Must hold a valid, current fishing license.
- Must have a bank account in their own name.
- Must get in-principle approval for the proposed project or equipment purchase.
Note: Specialized infrastructure support for cold storage and fish markets is available to private units, entrepreneurs, and fisheries cooperatives.
Application Process
The online application is completed through the dedicated I-Khedut portal. Follow the steps given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the official I-Khedut Portal.
STEP 2 - Go to the 'Schemes' section and select 'Agricultural Schemes'.
STEP 3 - Find Providing Navigational Aids and Other Infrastructure Facilities in the list and click 'Apply'.
STEP 4 - Select 'Apply New' to start a fresh application.
STEP 5 - Use the 'Update Application' button to make corrections if needed.
STEP 6 - Review the details carefully and confirm the submission.
STEP 7 - Print a copy of the confirmed application for personal records.
STEP 8 - Track the application status or print documents at the Applicant Corner.
If any issue comes up, the Contact Details page has the required help numbers.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying so the process stays smooth.
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card or Voter ID).
- Residence Proof (Domicile Certificate or Ration Card).
- Bank Account passbook or a recent statement.
- Valid fishing license.
- Boat Registration Certificate (via Real Craft software).
- Purchase invoices for the specific equipment or infrastructure.
- Any other documents asked by the department.
References
For detailed official guidelines, visit the Official Guidelines Page and the Commissioner of Fisheries page.
FAQ's
What is the objective of this scheme?
The scheme helps fishermen by giving financial support for essential fishing equipment, life-saving gear, and infrastructure, which raises safety and efficiency at sea.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Any fisherman who is a resident of Gujarat, owns a boat registered under the Real Craft software, and holds a valid fishing license can apply.
What financial support is given to families of fishermen captured in Pakistan?
The scheme gives ₹300 per day to support the families during the period the fisherman is in custody.
Can an applicant get multiple benefits under the scheme?
Yes, a person can apply for multiple benefits as long as they follow the time limits for each component, such as once in a lifetime or the 2 to 5 year cooling-off periods.
What is the maximum subsidy for a GPS device?
A 50% subsidy is given on the actual purchase price of a GPS device, up to a maximum of ₹20,000.
Does the scheme support fish storage needs?
Yes, it offers subsidies for deep freezers, refrigerator vans, and ice plants or cold storage units to help preserve the catch.
What is the maximum support for a fish processing plant?
The scheme can give up to ₹500 lakh or 50% of the actual cost for setting up a fish processing unit, whichever is lower.
What is the subsidy for sea cage culture?
A 75% subsidy is available on the estimated unit cost, capped at a maximum of ₹4,68,750.
Is Real Craft registration required?
Yes, only fishermen with boats registered under the Real Craft software are eligible to get these benefits.
What safety equipment does this scheme cover?
Support covers life-saving gear, life buoy rings, and the installation of hygienic toilets on fishing boats to make the working environment safer.
How do I apply for this scheme?
Apply online through the iKhedut portal by completing the registration and uploading the required documents.
