Fish MSP in Himachal Pradesh to support reservoir fishermen, with DBT subsidy and royalty cut

Himachal Pradesh is set to introduce a minimum support price for fish taken from reservoirs, officials said on Sunday. The Department of Fisheries said the move aims to steady earnings for reservoir fishermen. The plan links to Budget 2026-27 announcements by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Officials said work is under way to roll out steps on the ground.

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Officials said the support price is meant to limit the impact of market swings. The Department said the steps focus on fair rates for the catch. The aim is to protect fishermen when auction prices fall. The Department also said it wants stronger livelihood security for fishing families across the state.

Himachal Pradesh fisheries MSP for reservoir fish

The Department said a composite MSP for reservoir fish has been fixed at Rs 100 per kilogram. If an auction price drops below Rs 100 per kilogram, the state will add support. Officials said a subsidy of up to Rs 20 per kilogram will be paid. The payment will use the direct benefit transfer system.

Officials said eligible fishermen will receive the subsidy in their bank accounts. The Department said this design keeps support targeted and timely. It also reduces reliance on middlemen during sales. Officials said the goal is better price certainty for fish harvested from reservoirs. They added that implementation is being prepared at the grassroots level.

Himachal Pradesh fisheries royalty cut for reservoir fish

The Department said another relief step covers royalty on reservoir fish. The CM announced a further cut in the royalty rate this financial year. The state had earlier lowered royalty from 15 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Officials said it has now been decided to reduce it to 1 per cent.

Officials said the royalty change is expected to help more than 6,000 reservoir fishermen. The Department said lower royalty should reduce costs for fishermen. Officials said this could raise net income from each sale. The step is part of the wider package linked to Budget 2026-27 measures announced by the CM.

Himachal Pradesh fisheries fish production figures

The Department also reported higher fish output in Himachal Pradesh. Officials said total production rose between the last two years. It increased from 19,019 metric tonnes in 2024-25 to 20,005 metric tonnes in 2025-26. The Department described the rise as a sign of growth in the sector.

Officials said the MSP, subsidy support, and royalty reduction are intended to work together. The Department said these steps aim to keep prices fair and reduce financial pressure. Officials said they expect improved earnings for reservoir fishermen. The Department also pointed to rising production as a supportive trend for the state’s fisheries sector.

With inputs from PTI