Fishlings scheme delay raises concern among Telangana fishermen

The delay in tendering for Telangana's fishlings distribution scheme has left five lakh fishermen anxious. With the critical July–August release window slipping away, experts warn of lower fish yields and financial losses unless the government acts swiftly

Hyderabad: Uncertainty looms large over the free fishlings distribution scheme, with the government yet to commence the tender process even as July nears its end. The delay has left around five lakh fishermen families across the State worried, as the critical window for stocking ponds is running out.

Launched by the previous BRS government six years ago, the scheme involves the annual release of fishlings into around 29,579 ponds during the monsoon season. Tenders are usually called in April, finalised by May, and fishlings are released between July and August to align with the monsoon season.

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Last year, the Congress government proposed the release of 90 crore fishlings at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore. However, tenders were delayed until July, with distribution pushed to October due to pending contractor bills, resulting in a reduced release of just 29.25 crore fishlings worth Rs 34.32 crore, which in turn severely affected growth and production compared to previous years.

In April this year, the Fisheries department submitted a proposal to purchase 90 crore fishlings at Rs 123 crore. However, officials confirmed that the proposal is still pending with the Finance department.

“We have completed all preparatory work and are awaiting government clearance. Upon getting clearance, district-wise tenders will be invited immediately to complete the process by September,” a senior officer in the department said.

Experts warn that any further delay could severely impact fish growth cycles. Fishlings released in July and August typically mature to market size by December and January, providing a crucial income source for fishermen. However, those released in September would push harvesting to February or later, risking higher mortality rates as water levels start depleting in the summer.

Fishermen are expressing growing frustration, fearing their annual earnings could be slashed if the government does not act swiftly.

“By September, it will be too late. Our ponds need to be stocked now,” K Narasimhulu, a fishermen cooperative society leader from the erstwhile Nalgonda district, lamented. He recalled that the previous BRS government finalised the tenders before the onset of monsoon to ensure timely release of fishlings.

Officials admitted that unless tenders are completed within August, timely stocking will be impossible, which in turn could deal a blow to the livelihoods of fishermen.