Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has earmarked ₹54.50 crore for modernizing key fishing harbours and landing centres, a move expected to enhance infrastructure for thousands of fishermen and improve the operations of fishing vessels in the coastal regions of Porbandar and Gir Somnath.
Announcing the initiative, Fisheries Minister Raghavji Patel shared that the revitalization efforts will focus on three key locations: Navibandar in Porbandar district, along with Dhamlej and Hirakot in Gir Somnath district. The Dhamlej fish landing centre will receive ₹26.40 crore, while ₹14.60 crore and ₹13.48 crore have been allocated for Hirakot and Navibandar, respectively.
The investment aims to bolster the livelihoods of over 35,000 fishermen and upgrade facilities for more than 8,000 fishing vessels. Planned improvements include construction of protective bunds, internal roads, auction halls, boat repair yards, maritime security infrastructure, and essential amenities such as water supply, lighting, fire-fighting systems, and rest shelters for fishermen.
With Gujarat’s coastline extending nearly 1,600 kilometres along the Arabian Sea, the fishing sector plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy. Over 3.5 lakh fishermen depend on marine resources for their livelihood, with Gujarat boasting more than 107 operational harbours and fish landing centres along its coast.
The state is home to 121 fish landing sites, including major hubs like Veraval, Mangrol, Porbandar, Okha, and Jakhau. These centres not only support domestic fishing activities but also contribute to India’s thriving seafood export industry.
As a leading player in India’s fisheries sector, Gujarat accounts for nearly 30% of the country’s seafood exports, shipping fish products to global markets such as Japan, the United States, China, and Southeast Asia. The state’s robust exports have become a crucial source of foreign exchange, further boosting Gujarat’s economy.
Among the species that dominate catches along Gujarat’s coast are pomfret, ribbonfish, mackerel, shrimp, crab, and Bombay duck, all of which enjoy strong demand both domestically and internationally.
This ambitious infrastructure upgrade is expected to not only support the local fishing community but also enhance Gujarat’s standing in the global seafood market.