Himachal Reservoir Fish MSP 2026: In a landmark decision aimed at securing the livelihoods of the fishing community, the Himachal Pradesh government has implemented a series of visionary measures, including the introduction of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for reservoir fish-a (MSP for Fish) first in the state’s history.
Aligned with the 2026-27 budget announcements made by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Fisheries Department is now executing these policies to shield fishermen from market volatility. The state government has fixed the MSP for reservoir fish at ₹100 per kilogram.
To ensure transparency and safeguard income, the government has introduced a subsidy mechanism via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). If auction prices fall below the ₹100 mark, the state will provide a subsidy of up to ₹20 per kilogram, deposited directly into the bank accounts of eligible fishermen.
In another major economic relief, the state has slashed the royalty rate on fish caught from reservoirs. Previously reduced from 15% to 7.5%, the rate has now been brought down to a nominal 1% for the current financial year. This move is expected to benefit over 6,000 active fishermen across the state.
Himachal Pradesh houses five major reservoirs: Gobind Sagar (Bilaspur and Una), Pong Dam (Kangra), Ranjit Sagar and Chamera (Chamba), and Kol Dam (Bilaspur). While Silver Carp dominates most reservoirs, the Singhara variety remains the primary catch in Pong Dam.
Strategic interventions, such as the annual stocking of advanced fingerlings (70-100 mm), have led to a significant surge in productivity. Reservoir fish production has climbed from 549.35 metric tonnes in 2022-23 to 818.02 metric tonnes in 2025-26.
The overall fisheries sector in the state is witnessing a robust upward trend. Total fish production in Himachal Pradesh rose from 19,019 metric tonnes in 2024-25 to 20,005 metric tonnes in 2025-26, highlighting the impact of the government’s developmental initiatives on the rural economy.
