21st November to mark Fishermen's Day in Maharashtra Starting this Year

Maharashtra State Fisheries Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, on April 6, 2023, announced that the state would start celebrating Fishermen's Day every year on 21st November. The decision was made during a meeting with Coastal Fisheries Department officials at the Sahyadri Guest House whereby he stated that this initiative would help promote fisheries tourism in the state.

Koli Mahotsav and New Fish Market

During the meeting, Minister Mungantiwar also revealed plans for a Koli Mahotsav to be organized in coordination with the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department. This event is aimed at promoting tourism and the fishing industry in the state. Adding more, he stated that there would also be efforts to create space for fish business and that three ports would be developed for the convenience of fishermen.

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Additionally, an ideal fish market with all necessary facilities is being set up at Satpati in Palghar district for the proper sale and production of fish. The fishing industry is an employment-oriented business, and the minister promised that fishermen would be given priority when it comes to access to health facilities, ex-gratia grants, and diesel refunds.

Current State of the Fishing Industry in Maharashtra

Maharashtra has a coastline of 720 km and seven maritime districts. There are currently three major fishing ports, three under-construction ports, and four proposed ports in the state. There are 173 fish landing centers and 456 fishing villages, with a population of approximately 365,000 fishermen. Various fishing methods are employed, including rapon nets, bag/doll nets, gill nets, trawl nets, and man nets. Currently, there are a total of 21,558 registered fishing boats, while 17,355 fishing boats have licenses.

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Authorities believe that Fishermen's Day will become an improtant event in Maharashtra starting this year and will support the fisheries tourism. The state government will continue to take various steps to develop the fishing industry thereby provide priority access to health facilities and grants for fishermen.