Tamil Nadu Budget: Fishermen Aid Raised to ₹7,000, Livestock Schemes Get ₹4,880 Crore

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson presented the Revised Budget for 2026-27 in the State Assembly on Wednesday (August 5, 2026). The budget outlines the government's spending plans and includes a series of welfare measures aimed at supporting traditional fishermen and strengthening the livestock sector.

A key announcement was an increase in lean-period fishing assistance for traditional fishermen. The assistance has been raised from ₹6,000 to ₹7,000 per family. The State government has allocated ₹135 crore for this scheme, which is expected to benefit 1.93 lakh families who depend on fishing for their livelihood.

In a move to promote deep-sea fishing, the government will provide an interest subsidy on loans for purchasing deep-sea fishing boats equipped with modern processing facilities. An allocation of ₹12 crore has been made for this purpose, which aims to help fishermen transition from near-shore to deep-sea fishing and improve their earnings.

The budget also focuses on the welfare of vulnerable groups in rural areas. Under the 'Vetri Magalir Goat Rearing Scheme', five goats or sheep will be provided with a 100% subsidy to destitute widows, deserted women, transgender persons, and persons with disabilities. About 30,000 eligible persons are expected to benefit from this scheme, which has a financial outlay of ₹110 crore.

Significant investments have been planned for veterinary infrastructure. Forty-one new buildings required for veterinary hospitals will be constructed at a cost of ₹47 crore. In addition, 25 veterinary hospitals will be upgraded into veterinary polyclinics, and 210 veterinary dispensaries will be upgraded into veterinary hospitals, with an allocation of ₹40 crore. Furthermore, 143 new mobile veterinary units will be established at a cost of ₹35 crore, improving access to animal healthcare in remote areas.

To provide financial security to livestock owners, the government will introduce a new insurance scheme named 'Kaalnadaigal Kaappom'. This scheme will offer protection against the loss of livestock due to unforeseen mortality, disease, or disaster. The budget for this scheme is ₹31 crore.

Steps have also been taken to ensure the availability of quality feed for livestock. Fodder seed banks and depots will be established across the State at a cost of ₹6.70 crore. In addition, ₹13 crore has been allocated to promote green fodder cultivation, improve the use of chaffed fodder, and restore grazing lands through community participation.

With a view to increasing milk production and supporting rural women's livelihoods, milch cows will be provided free of cost to 10,000 eligible women every year. The initiative has been allocated ₹57 crore. These measures reflect the government's focus on the rural economy and women's welfare.

The Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department has been allocated a total of ₹4,880 crore for the fiscal year. This funding will support the implementation of the announced schemes. The proposals are part of the government's efforts to address the needs of the fishing and livestock communities in Tamil Nadu.