Union Budget 2026 Unveils Major Push for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Sectors
In a significant move aimed at bolstering India's blue economy and rural livelihoods, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 with a series of transformative announcements for the fisheries and animal husbandry sectors. The budget proposals include duty exemptions for fish caught in international waters and a substantial increase in veterinary professionals to support livestock development.
Duty-Free Treatment for Fish Caught in EEZ and High Seas
One of the landmark announcements involves exempting fish harvested by Indian fishing vessels operating in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or on the high seas from import duties. This strategic measure is designed to enhance the competitiveness of Indian fishermen in global waters and stimulate marine resource utilization.
"Landing of such fish on foreign ports will be treated as export of goods," stated Finance Minister Sitharaman during her budget speech. "Safeguards will be implemented to prevent potential misuse during fish catch, transit, and transshipment processes."
To operationalize this exemption, the government will amend the Customs Act, 1962 by introducing a new Section 56A. This provision will establish special regulations for fishing and related activities conducted by Indian-flagged vessels beyond the country's territorial waters.
Enhanced Support for Seafood Export Processing
Complementing the duty exemption, the budget substantially increases the limit for duty-free imports of specified inputs used in processing seafood products for export. The threshold has been raised from the current 1% to 3% of the Free on Board (FOB) value of the previous year's export turnover.
This enhancement is expected to reduce production costs for seafood exporters, improve their global market competitiveness, and potentially increase India's seafood export volumes.
Comprehensive Fisheries Development Initiatives
Finance Minister Sitharaman outlined a holistic approach to fisheries development, announcing integrated development programs for 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars. These initiatives aim to optimize inland fisheries potential and create sustainable water bodies for aquaculture.
The budget also emphasizes strengthening fisheries value chains in coastal regions through enhanced market linkages. This will involve collaboration with startups, women-led groups, and Fish Farmers Producer Organizations to create more efficient and inclusive supply networks.
Major Boost for Animal Husbandry Sector
Recognizing the importance of livestock in rural economies, the budget introduces a comprehensive support package for animal husbandry. A credit-linked subsidy program will be launched to foster entrepreneurship development in this sector.
The initiatives include:
- Modernization and scaling up of livestock enterprises
- Development of integrated value chains focused on livestock, dairy, and poultry
- Encouragement for establishing livestock farmer producer organizations
Expanding Veterinary Infrastructure and Professionals
In a significant capacity-building measure, the budget aims to increase the availability of veterinary professionals by more than 20,000. This expansion will address critical gaps in animal healthcare services across rural and peri-urban areas.
"To strengthen animal health systems, the Finance Minister has announced steps to scale up availability of veterinary professionals by more than 20,000," confirmed Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Lalan.
The government will implement a loan-linked capital subsidy support scheme to establish:
- Veterinary and para-veterinary colleges
- Veterinary hospitals and diagnostic laboratories
- Breeding facilities in the private sector
Additionally, the budget facilitates collaboration between Indian and foreign institutions to enhance knowledge exchange and technical expertise in veterinary sciences.
Formalizing the Animal Husbandry Sector
These comprehensive measures are expected to significantly formalize animal husbandry activities, which have traditionally operated largely in the unorganized sector. The structured support mechanisms will create quality employment opportunities while improving productivity and sustainability in livestock management.
Minister Lalan emphasized that these budget announcements will collectively boost both the livestock and fisheries sectors, contributing to food security, rural employment generation, and increased export earnings for the Indian economy.
