'US Tariff No Challenge, But An Opportunity': Maharashtra Eyes Fish Boom At Home

Last Updated:August 12, 2025, 10:54 IST

The state fisheries and ports minister Nitesh Rane said if the focus shifts to selling more in the Indian market, fishermen can earn good profits & India’s economy will benefit

Rane urged fisheries associations, traders, and processing companies to adapt quickly by finding new buyers within India.

Maharashtra’s fisheries and ports minister Nitesh Rane has called for a coordinated effort across the state to boost fish production, saying the sector holds “immense potential" for growth.

At a recent review meeting, Rane revealed that fish production in the state has already grown by 47 per cent this season, and with the right planning, this can increase further in the coming months.

One of the key steps he suggested was the removal of silt from lakes across the state. “Once the silt is removed, freshwater fish production will rise significantly," Rane said, adding that the work should be carried out with a proper time-bound action plan in coordination with the water resources department. He also called for clearing encroachments around lakes and ensuring no illegal activities disturb the ecosystem.

The minister pointed out that the use of drone surveys had already led to a rise in marine fish production, and similar focused measures could benefit freshwater fishing as well. “The more discipline we maintain, the better our production will be," he stressed.

Rane also highlighted the need to promote the Plastic-Free Koliwada campaign, encourage local sales of fish products, and organise fish and prawn food festivals to attract customers and support fishermen. He asked officials to prepare a roadmap for increasing domestic sales of prawns and to train fisheries officers on the use of AI for better management.

While discussing growth plans, Rane also addressed a major challenge that has recently emerged—the steep increase in tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian fish and seafood imports.

However, Rane chose to look at the situation differently, calling it an “opportunity" for the industry. “This is the perfect time to strengthen our domestic market. It’s in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. If we focus on selling more in the Indian market, fishermen can earn good profits and the country’s economy will also benefit," he said.

He urged fisheries associations, traders, and processing companies to adapt quickly by finding new buyers within India, creating stronger marketing strategies, and raising awareness among fishermen about the potential of local sales. By combining infrastructure upgrades like lake desilting with smart market planning, the minister believes Maharashtra can not only overcome the tariff hike’s impact but also position itself as a leader in both domestic and global fisheries.

For the state’s fishing community, the message was clear: with the right strategy, even a problem that arrives from across the seas can turn into a tide of opportunity.

Mayuresh Ganapatye

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...Read More

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...

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August 12, 2025, 10:54 IST

News india 'US Tariff No Challenge, But An Opportunity': Maharashtra Eyes Fish Boom At Home

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