Odisha Approves Rs 2,295-Crore Deep Sea Fishing Mission To Boost Blue Economy
The decision was taken by the State Cabinet following a proposal from the fisheries and animal resources development department.
Bhubaneswar: In a major push to India's Blue Economy ambitions, the Odisha government on Wednesday approved an ambitious Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission (2026–2036) with an estimated investment of Rs 2,295.45 crore, aimed at modernising the state's marine fisheries sector, expanding seafood exports, and generating around 50,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities over the next decade.
The decision was taken by the State Cabinet following a proposal from the fisheries and animal resources development department.
Envisaged as a long-term transformation programme, the mission seeks to shift Odisha's marine fisheries from traditional near-shore fishing to technology-driven deep-sea operations, while simultaneously strengthening the entire fisheries value chain—from harvesting and processing to cold storage, logistics and exports.
The 10-year mission will be financed through a combination of state government support, Central government schemes, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investments, institutional credit and beneficiary contributions, creating a diversified funding framework for large-scale infrastructure development.
Officials said the programme is expected to emerge as one of the largest interventions in Odisha's marine fisheries sector, with the twin objectives of increasing fish production and improving the incomes of coastal fishing communities.
A major component of the mission involves the induction of modern deep-sea fishing vessels equipped with advanced navigation, communication and fish-finding technologies, enabling fishermen to venture farther into offshore waters with improved safety, higher productivity and reduced pressure on depleted near-shore fish resources.
To strengthen post-harvest management and value addition, the state plans to expand fishing harbours, fish landing centres, seafood parks and modern processing facilities across the coastline. The mission also envisages the creation of integrated cold-chain infrastructure and export-oriented logistics networks aimed at minimising post-harvest losses and enhancing the quality and marketability of Odisha's seafood.
The government expects the initiative to stimulate substantial private investment through PPP models, encouraging entrepreneurship and industrial growth in fisheries processing, marine logistics, aquaculture support services and seafood exports.
The employment potential of the programme is significant, with projections indicating nearly 50,000 jobs across fishing operations, seafood processing, transportation, cold-chain logistics, exports and other allied marine industries. Officials believe the mission will also create new business opportunities for coastal youth and local entrepreneurs.
By the end of the mission period in 2036, Odisha aims to substantially increase its marine fish production and emerge as a leading seafood export hub on India's eastern coast. The initiative is also expected to strengthen the State's contribution to the national Blue Economy by promoting sustainable utilisation of marine resources while enhancing the livelihoods of fishing communities.
The approval comes at a time when coastal states are increasingly investing in modern fisheries infrastructure to improve export competitiveness and unlock the economic potential of India's vast marine resources.
Odisha, with a coastline stretching nearly 480 kilometres along the Bay of Bengal, is seeking to leverage its strategic geographical advantage to become a major player in the country's marine fisheries and seafood export sector.