Shimla, Aug. 9 -- Reaffirming its commitment to improving the livelihoods of fishermen, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led state government has introduced comprehensive subsidy schemes for fishing boats and fishing gear to strengthen the fisheries sector and promote sustainable fishing practices across Himachal Pradesh.

Under the fishing boat subsidy scheme, eligible reservoir fishermen will receive 70% financial assistance for the purchase of fishing boats. The unit cost of each boat is Rs.50,000, of which the state government will bear 70% of the cost and, while the remaining 30% will be borne by the beneficiary.

According to officials, the scheme aims to modernise the fishing fleet operating in major reservoirs, including Gobi...