Shimla, April 12: The government of Himachal Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Sukhu, has announced a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for fish caught from reservoirs. This initiative aims to protect fishermen from sudden price fluctuations and provide them with a stable income. The MSP for fish from these reservoirs has been set at ₹100 per kilogram.
Additionally, a government statement released on Sunday indicated that if the auction price falls below ₹100 per kilogram, the government will provide a subsidy of up to ₹20 per kilogram through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This measure is expected to ensure that fishermen receive fair compensation for their efforts, enhancing transparency as subsidies will be directly credited to the bank accounts of eligible fishermen.
In a significant relief, the Chief Minister also announced a substantial reduction in the royalty rate applied to fish caught from reservoirs. The royalty rate has been decreased from 15% to 7.5%, and it will be further reduced to just 1% for the current financial year. This decision is anticipated to directly benefit over 6,000 reservoir fishermen by alleviating their financial burden and significantly increasing their overall income.
Himachal Pradesh is home to five major reservoirs: Govind Sagar (Bilaspur and Una), Pong Dam (Kangra), Ranjit Sagar, and Chamera (Chamba), along with Kol Dam (Bilaspur). The primary species in Govind Sagar, Kol Dam, Ranjit Sagar, and Chamera are silver carp, while Pong Dam is known for its abundance of singhada fish.
Other important species include Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Common Carp, and Grass Carp. Due to focused policy interventions and ongoing efforts, such as the annual stocking of advanced fingerlings (70-100 mm), fish production in reservoirs has seen significant improvement.
Fish production from reservoirs increased from 549.35 metric tons in 2022-23 to 818.02 metric tons in 2025-26, indicating a strong positive trend in the sector. The government believes that these progressive policy measures will strengthen the reservoir fishery economy, promote sustainable fishing practices, and enhance the participation of fishing communities in reservoir-based activities.
The government is also working on expanding fishing infrastructure, improving marketing systems, and creating better livelihood opportunities for fishermen and fish farmers. Notably, the total fish production in the state has recorded remarkable growth, rising from 19,019 metric tons in 2024-25 to 20,005 metric tons in 2025-26. This increase highlights the positive impact of ongoing development initiatives in the fisheries sector, showcasing the growing contribution of fishing to rural employment and the state economy.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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