Hyderabad: Telangana Fisheries Minister Vakiti Srihari on Tuesday reiterated the state government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of fishermen. He made the statement after inaugurating the World Aquaculture India 2025 conference, organised by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) at HICC Novotel.
Coming from a fishermen’s family himself, Srihari said he felt honoured to lead the department. He noted that no member of the Mudiraj community had headed the Fisheries Department since the era of undivided Andhra Pradesh. He thanked the Congress government for entrusting him with the responsibility.
₹123 crore funding and insurance coverage announced
The minister announced a major revamp of the long-neglected Fisheries Department. In the first cabinet meeting after he took charge, the government approved ₹123 crore for its development. He also confirmed that the state had extended ₹1.40 crore in insurance cover for fishermen.
At the event, officials launched a theme song for the department. Srihari also visited several stalls showcasing aquaculture technology and fisheries policy updates.
Boost to production and focus on transparency
Srihari highlighted Telangana’s abundant water resources including the Godavari, Krishna, and thousands of tanks as key assets for fish production. The government is currently distributing fish seed in 26,000 water bodies. This includes 84 crore fish seed and 10 crore shrimp.
District officials are supervising the distribution process, and the government has installed signboards at ponds to ensure transparency. Srihari said the state would build large-scale fish seed production centres. He also plans to discuss adding fish to school mid-day meals with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
Officials and experts join aquaculture summit
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Banda Prakash, Fisheries Director Nikhila, NFDB CEO Behara, Joint Secretary Neetu Kumari, PVNR Veterinary University Vice-Chancellor Gyan Prakash, and Fisheries Corporation Chairman Mettu Saikumar.
Committed to the Development of Fisherfolk – Minister @Vakiti_srihari
🔸A record ₹123 crore budget allocated for the Fisheries Department for the first time”
🔸Signboards introduced to ensure transparency
🔸Plans to make the Fisheries Department a key contributor to the… pic.twitter.com/wiOK6hOwS7
— IPRDepartment (@IPRTelangana) November 11, 2025
