Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

Why in News?
Lok Sabha response on March 24, 2026, detailed FIDF's implementation, approvals, sanctions, and disbursements up to Rs. 1,600.56 crore across states like Maharashtra (42 projects, Rs. 1,230.90 crore).

About

Launched in FY 2018-19 by Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, with Rs. 7,522.48 crore total outlay (Rs. 5,266.40 crore from Nodal Loaning Entities, Rs. 1,316.60 crore beneficiary contribution, Rs. 939.48 crore government support).
Aims to create/modernize fisheries infrastructure in marine and inland sectors to support Blue Revolution targets, like 20 million tonnes production by 2022-23 (achieved higher).
Provides concessional finance via interest subvention up to 3% p.a. (loans at ≥5% p.a.) through Nodal Loaning Entities (NLEs) like banks.

Key Features

Loans up to 80% of project cost (beneficiary 20% margin); repayment up to 12 years with 2-year moratorium.
Eligible entities: State Govts/UTs, corporations, entrepreneurs, farmers, cooperatives.
No limits on units/area; covers deep-sea vessels, disease labs, mariculture, feed mills, training centers.

Objectives

Develop fishing harbours, landing centers, cold chains, hatcheries, and processing units to reduce post-harvest losses and boost marketing.
Attract private investment from entrepreneurs, farmers, and state entities for sustainable 8-9% growth in fish production.
Bridge infrastructure gaps, generate employment for over 9.4 lakh fishers, and enhance exports.

Progress

228 projects approved (95 private, 133 govt.) at Rs. 5,559.54 crore cost (Rs. 4,351.86 crore for subvention); 111 sanctioned (Rs. 4,212.05 crore), Rs. 1,600.56 crore disbursed.
68 projects completed; major spends on fishing harbours (Rs. 3,803.86 crore for 28 projects).
Top states: Tamil Nadu (108 projects), Maharashtra (42).

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