Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

Introduction 

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) is a scheme launched by the Government of India in the financial year 2018-19 under the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The fund was created with a total size of approximately Rs. 7,522 crore to provide concessional finance for the development and modernization of fisheries infrastructure. Its key goal is to boost fish production in India, supporting both marine and inland fisheries sectors, to help achieve sustainable growth in fish production. FIDF addresses critical gaps in infrastructure such as hatcheries, aquaculture, cold storage, fish processing units, and transportation.

This fund targets a broad group of beneficiaries including farmers, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Fish Producer Organizations (FPOs), entrepreneurs, fisheries cooperatives, and government entities. The scheme is part of the Indian government’s efforts to strengthen fisheries as a source of livelihood and improve economic opportunities for various stakeholders in the fisheries sector across states.

FIDF offers benefits like concessional loans with interest subvention, supporting infrastructure creation that helps reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access. Eligible entities can apply through designated nodal agencies. This agriculture scheme plays an important role in enhancing productivity, income, and employment in India’s fisheries sector. It is a significant step towards modernizing fisheries infrastructure in India for better resource use and sustainable growth.

Overview of the Scheme

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) was launched by the Government of India through the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in 2018-19. It aims to create and modernize infrastructure facilities for both marine and inland fisheries sectors to boost fish production and support sustainable growth in the fisheries economy of India.

The fund is implemented through nodal loaning agencies such as the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the National Cooperatives Development Corporation (NCDC), and scheduled banks, as well as state line departments and fisheries-related government bodies. Eligible beneficiaries include State Governments, Union Territories, cooperatives, fish farmers’ groups, entrepreneurs, and Self Help Groups (SHGs).

The funding pattern for FIDF is centrally sponsored with an overall fund pool of about Rs. 7,522 crore. It provides concessional loans with interest subvention, typically supported with a 12-year repayment window including a moratorium of 2 years. The loans cover investments in infrastructure like fishing harbors, fish landing centers, cold storage, processing units, hatcheries, training facilities, and aquaculture development among others.

As of now, the scheme is ongoing and has been extended till 2025-26, complementing other fisheries initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). For example, many fishing harbors and cold storage facilities have been constructed under FIDF to improve post-harvest handling and increase fish market access, benefiting lakhs of fishers across India.

Overview of FIDF

• Launched by: Government of India, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (2018-19)
• Implementing agencies: NABARD, NCDC, scheduled banks, state fisheries departments
• Funding pattern: Central fund of Rs. 7,522 crore, concessional loans, 12-year repayment including 2-year moratorium
• Coverage: Fishing harbors, fish landing centers, cold storage, fish processing units, hatcheries, aquaculture development, training centers
• Current status: Ongoing, extended till 2025-26 to enhance fisheries infrastructure nationwide

This scheme has been vital in addressing infrastructure gaps in Indian fisheries, supporting economic growth, employment, and sustainable resource use in the sector. The FIDF provides a structured approach to financing fisheries infrastructure with clear eligibility and application processes for multiple stakeholders.

Objectives 

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) has clear and focused objectives aimed at supporting the growth and modernization of fisheries infrastructure in India. These objectives reflect the government’s goal to boost fish production sustainably while improving the livelihoods of fishers and entrepreneurs in the sector.

The main goals of FIDF include creating and modernizing infrastructure for both capture fisheries (wild fish catching) and culture fisheries (fish farming). It also aims to develop marine aquaculture and inland fisheries infrastructure to provide a strong foundation for the fisheries economy. Another important objective is to reduce post-harvest losses by upgrading domestic marketing and storage facilities, improving the value chain from catch or farm to market. Additionally, the fund seeks to bridge the resource gap by facilitating the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects.

These objectives support the broader purpose of achieving sustainable fish production growth and enhancing the welfare of all stakeholders involved in fisheries, including fish farmers, entrepreneurs, SHGs, and cooperatives. The fund also promotes private investment in fisheries infrastructure to complement government efforts.

• Create and modernize infrastructure for capture and culture fisheries.
• Develop marine aquaculture infrastructure.
• Build and upgrade inland fisheries infrastructure.
• Reduce post-harvest losses and improve domestic marketing and storage facilities.
• Bridge resource gaps and support completion of ongoing infrastructure projects.
• Promote sustainable growth in fish production and employment in the fisheries sector.

These clear objectives form the foundation of the FIDF agriculture scheme’s role in strengthening fisheries infrastructure and boosting the sector’s economic contributions.

Key Features / Benefits 

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) offers several important benefits designed to support the growth of fisheries infrastructure across India. These benefits make it easier for various stakeholders to access funds, modernize facilities, and improve fish production through a well-structured finance scheme.

• Concessional Loans for Infrastructure: FIDF provides loans covering up to 80% of the project cost for fishery infrastructure development, where beneficiaries contribute 20% as margin money. (Example: A cooperative building a fish processing unit can get up to 80% funding support.)
• Long Repayment Period: Loans have a maximum repayment period of 12 years, including a 2-year moratorium on principal repayment, easing financial pressure on beneficiaries.
• Interest Subvention: Eligible applicants receive up to 3% per annum interest subsidy, lowering the cost of borrowing for development projects in fisheries.
• Wide Range of Eligible Projects: The scheme funds a variety of projects like fishing harbors, fish landing centers, cold storages, hatcheries, fish processing units, aquaculture infrastructure, and disease diagnostic labs.
• Inclusive Eligibility: It supports State Governments, cooperatives, Self Help Groups (SHGs), entrepreneurs, women, SC/STs, and private companies, promoting broad-based participation.
• No Caps on Units or Area: There is no limit on the number of units or project size, allowing large and small projects to benefit equally.
• Credit Guarantee Support: Credit guarantee facilities back loans to reduce lending risks for entrepreneurs and cooperatives.
• Supports Sustainable Growth: By financing modern infrastructure, FIDF helps reduce post-harvest losses and improves fish market access, leading to better incomes and employment.

Overall, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) provides accessible, affordable financial assistance to promote comprehensive infrastructure improvement in India’s fisheries sector, making it a key agriculture scheme for enhancing productivity and livelihoods.

Eligibility Criteria 

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) has clear eligibility criteria that define who can apply for the scheme and what documents are necessary. These criteria ensure support reaches the right beneficiaries and projects to build fisheries infrastructure across India.

For individual farmers, eligibility typically includes being engaged in fisheries or aquaculture activities, possessing valid proof of residency and identity (such as Aadhaar), and meeting any age or landholding requirements specified by the implementing agencies. These criteria help confirm the applicant is directly involved in the fisheries sector.

Self Help Groups (SHGs) must be formally registered and active, with a bank account linkage to receive funds. This ensures financial transparency and accountability for groups collectively involved in fisheries activities.

Fish Producer Organizations (FPOs) or cooperatives should be registered under relevant laws like the Producer Companies Act. They must have a minimum number of active members engaged in fisheries to qualify, ensuring the organization represents genuine fish producers.

Entrepreneurs, startups, and MSMEs must possess valid registrations such as UDYAM or GST certificates relevant to their business operations. This helps verify the legal and operational status of business entities applying under FIDF.

The scheme gives special consideration to women, SC/ST, and beneficiaries from North Eastern and hilly states, aiming for inclusive development, though exact benefits may vary as per official guidelines.

Not Eligible

• Projects or applicants already covered under duplicate benefits or outside approved infrastructure categories do not qualify.
• Entities failing to submit mandatory documents like Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), land records, quotations for machinery, bank passbooks, or registration certificates are not eligible.

Common Mandatory Documents

• Aadhaar card for identity proof and residency
• Registration certificates (for SHGs, FPOs, MSMEs)
• Bank passbook showing active account linkage
• Detailed Project Report (DPR) with cost estimates and layout
• Quotations or invoices for machinery or equipment
• Land ownership or lease documents, wherever applicable

These eligibility rules and document requirements aim to promote transparency, accountability, and targeted support under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). They help ensure assistance reaches qualified beneficiaries who contribute to strengthening India’s fisheries infrastructure.

Application Process

The application process for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) involves submitting a detailed project proposal and related documents to the designated government authorities. Here is a step-by-step guide to apply:

Where to Apply:

Applicants must submit their Detailed Project Report (DPR) and proposal to the Joint Secretary (Fisheries), Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi (PIN 110001). A copy must also be sent to the Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad.

Official addresses:

• Department of Fisheries: Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001
• NFDB: Pillar No: 235, PVNR Expressway, SVPNPA Post, Hyderabad – 500052

Registration/Login:

There is no online portal for direct application currently; proposals are submitted offline as hard copies. Applicants should prepare a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) or self-contained proposal before submission.

Form Sections to Fill:

The DPR must include beneficiary details, land or water body details, component/infrastructure type selection, detailed cost estimates, engineering drawings, and bank information for loan disbursal.

Documents to Upload/Submit:

• Detailed Project Report (DPR) / self-contained proposal
• Land ownership or lease documents
• Engineering drawings and layouts
• Detailed cost estimates as per latest schedules
• Quotations or invoices for machinery or equipment
• Technical feasibility and economic viability reports
• Identity proof (Aadhaar for individuals) and registration certificates (for SHGs, FPOs, MSMEs)
• Bank account details and passbook copy

Application Fee:

No application fee is required for the submission of proposals under FIDF.

Acknowledgment/Application ID:

Upon receipt, the department may issue an acknowledgment but no specific online application ID is generated due to the offline process.

Verification/Field Inspection:

The proposal will be scrutinized by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), and field inspection may be conducted as part of project evaluation.

Approval and Timeline:

The Central Approval and Monitoring Committee (CAMC) reviews the project proposal. If approved, the NFDB recommends grant of interest subvention and forwards proposals to banks for loan sanction. Loan disbursements follow bank policies.

Assistance Release:

Funds are released through banks as concessional loans, with a repayment period up to 12 years including a 2-year moratorium on principal repayment.

Offline Assistance:

Applicants can also approach their nearest Fisheries Department office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), or Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) for guidance on preparing proposals.

Helpline and Contacts:

• Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi
• National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad
• Official helpline numbers and emails are published on the Department of Fisheries website (http://dof.gov.in).

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes:

• Ensure name and identity details exactly match official documents like Aadhaar.
• Submit all mandatory documents including DPR, land records, and cost quotations.
• Avoid missing deadlines; submit complete proposals well in time.
• Follow official guidelines strictly for project cost estimation and technical details.

This clear, stepwise process makes applying for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) straightforward and ensures correct proposals get timely processing and financial assistance. Keywords: apply online, application form, portal, helpline, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).

Challenges or Limitations 

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) has been effective in boosting fisheries infrastructure, but there are some common challenges and limitations reported by official sources and departments. Understanding these can help applicants and beneficiaries navigate the scheme smoothly and avoid delays.

Delay due to proposal verification: Projects often face delays because verifying detailed project proposals (DPRs) and technical feasibility takes time.

→ What to do: Prepare comprehensive, clear DPRs with all required details to speed up scrutiny.

Limited budget space and demand exceeding availability: The fund has a fixed size and sometimes state proposals exceed available funding.

→ What to do: Prioritize proposals carefully and submit early to increase chances of approval.

Seasonal windows for fishery activities: Some activities, like fish farming or harbor construction, depend on seasonal conditions which can delay implementation.

→ What to do: Plan project schedules respecting seasonal windows to avoid stalled construction or operations.

Document mismatches cause rejection risks: Errors or missing documents like land records, bank details, or identity proofs often cause rejections or repeated submissions.

→ What to do: Keep all legal and financial documents updated and verified before application.

Lack of awareness among beneficiaries: Many fish farmers or SHGs are unaware of the scheme or application procedures.

→ What to do: Seek guidance from local fisheries departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), or use official helpline resources.

Complex loan and subvention process: The process of loan approval, interest subvention, and disbursement involves multiple agencies, causing delays sometimes.

→ What to do: Follow up diligently with banks and nodal agencies; ensure all forms and conditions are accurately met.

Field inspection delays: On-site inspections by officials may be delayed due to logistic or administrative reasons.

→ What to do: Maintain readiness for inspections by keeping project sites and documents organized.

Exclusion of some activities: Not all fisheries-related activities qualify under FIDF, limiting support for certain innovative or small-scale projects.

→ What to do: Confirm eligibility criteria thoroughly before preparing proposals to avoid wasted effort.

These challenges are typical in large infrastructure schemes like FIDF, but can be managed through careful preparation and proactive communication. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) continues to provide strong support to fisheries infrastructure development while evolving to address operational hurdles.

Government Support & Future Outlook 

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) is closely linked with other major agricultural and fisheries schemes to create a comprehensive support system for fishers and aquaculture entrepreneurs. This convergence helps maximize benefits and promotes sustainable growth across the sector.

FIDF complements the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) by focusing on infrastructure like fishing harbors, cold storages, and hatcheries, while PMMSY supports capacity building, training, and aquaculture promotion. It also links with the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme to facilitate easier access to institutional credit for fish farmers and entrepreneurs. Such integration ensures stakeholders benefit from financial aid, skill development, and market access simultaneously.

For example, a fish farmer can utilize FIDF loans to build a cold storage facility and also benefit from PMMSY’s training and insurance schemes to improve production and reduce risks, creating a sustainable livelihood and higher income.

Official updates mention that FIDF has been extended until 2025-26 with a total sanctioned fund size of Rs 7,522 crore and budget support of Rs 939 crore. This extension aims to intensify infrastructure development in fisheries and aquaculture, encouraging further investment from public and private sectors.

Key Points:

• FIDF converges with PMMSY, Kisan Credit Card (KCC), and other central schemes.
• Combined support enhances infrastructure, training, finance, and insurance for fishers and FPOs.
• Extension till 2025-26 with Rs 7,522 crore fund size reinforces long-term sector growth.
• Convergence fosters higher fish production, employment, and value chain development.

This integrated approach underlines the future direction of fisheries development in India, ensuring that FIDF plays a critical role alongside other missions for holistic progress.

Conclusion 

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) is a vital scheme that supports the modernization and creation of fisheries infrastructure in India. It benefits a wide range of stakeholders including individual fish farmers, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, and state agencies by providing concessional loans for critical infrastructure like fishing harbors, cold storages, and aquaculture facilities. Those interested in boosting their fisheries enterprise can start by checking their eligibility on the official FIDF portal (https://www.fidf.in), preparing the necessary documents, and consulting their local fisheries department or agriculture office for guidance on applying. It is important to verify the latest scheme details, timelines, and application processes through the official sources or helpline to ensure smooth processing and optimal benefits.
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