Image used for representational purposes
| Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson on Wednesday (August 5, 2026) said the State government will increase lean-period fishing assistance for traditional fishermen from ₹6,000 to ₹7,000 per family, benefiting 1.93 lakh traditional fishermen families, with an allocation of ₹135 crore.Presenting the Revised Budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly, Mr. Wilson said, to encourage traditional fishermen to take up deep-sea fishing, financial assistance in the form of an interest subsidy will be provided to those purchasing deep-sea fishing boats equipped with modern processing facilities. A sum of ₹12 crore has been allocated for the scheme.Tamil Nadu Budget 2026 LIVE updates: Finance Minister Marie Wilson announces one-sovereign gold coin for brides in TVK-led govt.’s maiden BudgetThe Minister also announced that 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 living in rural areas, benefiting about 30,000 eligible persons at a cost of ₹110 crore, he said.A total of 41 new buildings required for veterinary hospitals will be constructed at a cost of ₹47 crore. To meet the medical treatment needs of livestock, 25 veterinary hospitals will be upgraded into veterinary polyclinics, and 210 veterinary dispensaries will be upgraded into veterinary hospitals, at a cost of ₹40 crore. Further, 143 new mobile veterinary units will be established at a cost of ₹35 crore, Mr. Wilson said.The State government will introduce a new livestock insurance scheme named ‘Kaalnadaigal Kaappom’ to provide financial protection against the loss of livestock due to unforeseen mortality, disease or disaster at a cost of ₹31 crore, he said.Quality feedTo ensure farmers receive quality feed at a lower price, the State government will establish fodder seed banks and depots across the State at a cost of ₹6.70 crore. Further, an amount of ₹13 crore has been allocated to promote green fodder cultivation, improve the use of chaffed fodder, and restore grazing lands through community participation.Besides, to increase milk production and secure the livelihood of women living in rural areas, milch cows will be provided free of cost to 10,000 eligible women every year, and ₹57 crore has been allocated for the initiative. The Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department has been allocated ₹4,880 crore. Published - August 05, 2026 12:42 pm IST
