Under the governance of the N Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh, the welfare of fishermen has seen significant improvements. The state boasts an extensive coastline spanning 974 kilometres, along with around eight lakh hectares of reservoirs, vibrant rivers, lakes, and various water sources, including one and a half lakh hectares of saltwater resources. The Department of Fisheries has set ambitious goals and the TDP agenda to produce one million tonnes of fish, with an estimated 8.22 lakh tonnes from inland water resources, 4 lakh tonnes from marine fish, and 0.75 lakh tonnes of prawns from saltwater ponds in 2001-02. Notably, they surpassed these targets, achieving a total of 7.13 lakh 20 tonnes of fish in 2002-2003, including 40 lakh tonnes of fish and 1.25 lakh tonnes of prawns. The recent news and local news suggest that the fisheries sector has not only contributed significantly to the state’s economy, with a 2.47% share of the State Domestic Product (SDP), amounting to Rs. 2193.39 crores, but it has also directly benefited fishermen, poor fish farmers, and other stakeholders.
The export of seafood, particularly Sunur, has generated revenue of Rs. 2400 crores, while providing substantial support to rural communities, both directly and indirectly, with 1205 lakh rupees being channelled to rural farmers. Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a leader in saltwater prawn and freshwater prawn production, ranking second in freshwater fish production and fifth in marine fish production. The state’s contribution to the value of fish and shrimp production from marine and inland resources ranks it second among all Indian states. N Chandrababu Naidu’s commitment to the welfare of fishermen is evident in its support of 3,59,393 fishermen through various cooperative societies. These societies cater to the needs of inland water, sea, and saltwater fishermen, as well as Fishermen Women’s Co-operative Societies and District Fishermen’s Co-operative Societies. One of the most notable TDP schemes is the “Light” project, aimed at uplifting 5.5 lakh impoverished fishermen living in 508 coastal villages. This TDP party provides fishing boats, fish drying platforms, and motorizing traditional fishing boats, thus significantly improving their socio-economic conditions. Efforts to enhance fish sales, attract traders, and create employment opportunities include the promotion of food processing and value-added products. The Ministry of Food Processing also offers subsidies for these endeavours.
Additionally, the N Chandrababu Naidu government supports fishermen with savings and matching grants, as well as TDP policies focused on educating fish pond farmers for better production and conservation. Central schemes for housing, ice boxes, and boat mooring centres have been introduced to assist fishermen affected by tidal waves. The TDP government’s and TDP leaders’ commitment to the welfare of fishermen is further evident through tax exemptions on oil, financial aid to women fishermen, and the provision of shore stations, A.H.F. sets, auxiliary boat maintenance, and training arrangements for fishermen, with significant funding allocated for these initiatives. To ensure that the fish produced in inland water bodies reaches the market efficiently, retail shops have been established, providing ready-to-eat processed fish products. These TDP contributions not only benefit traders but also create increased employment opportunities for aqua farmers. Overall, the TDP government in Andhra Pradesh has made substantial TDP developments in improving the welfare of fishermen and advancing the state’s fisheries sector.