Himachal Pradesh Sets MSP for Reservoir Fish at ₹100/kg, Boosting Fishermen’s Income

In a landmark move aimed at strengthening the livelihoods of fishermen, Himachal Pradesh has announced a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for fish harvested from reservoirs — a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state.

The government has fixed a composite MSP of ₹100 per kilogram, offering a safety net to fishermen against volatile market prices. To further ensure income stability, authorities have introduced a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) subsidy of up to ₹20 per kilogram in case auction prices fall below the MSP. This step is expected to reduce uncertainty and provide financial security to thousands dependent on reservoir fishing.

In another major relief measure, the state has drastically reduced royalty charges on reservoir fish. The royalty, which was earlier brought down from 15% to 7.5%, has now been slashed to just 1% for the current financial year. This significant cut is likely to directly benefit more than 6,000 fishermen by increasing their net earnings.

Officials noted that these policy reforms come at a time when Himachal Pradesh is witnessing steady growth in fish production. Reservoir fish output has surged from 549.35 metric tonnes in 2022–23 to 818.02 metric tonnes in 2025–26. Meanwhile, the state’s overall fish production has also seen an upward trend, increasing from 19,019 metric tonnes in 2024–25 to 20,005 metric tonnes in 2025–26.

The combined impact of MSP assurance, subsidy support, and reduced royalties is expected to not only uplift fishermen economically but also encourage sustainable growth in the fisheries sector. The initiative reflects the government’s broader push to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote the blue economy in the hill state.

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