Nandurbar, a Scheduled Tribe (ST)-dominated aspirational district of Maharashtra, possesses more than 10,000 ha of aquatic resources including reservoirs, irrigation ponds, and Sardar Sarovar backwaters. Despite this potential, aquaculture remains underdeveloped due to low awareness, weak infrastructure, and limited access to institutional credit. A field assessment conducted in October 2024 and evaluated the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and Kisan Credit Card (KCC). Encouraging outcomes were observed from biofloc farming in Patonda Shivar and cage culture in Bhaware and Dhankhedi, where yields exceeded 1,800–2,000 kg per unit. However, persistent challenges include inadequate seed and feed supply, lack of hatcheries, poor cold storage, weak market linkages, uptake of FIDF and KCC remains negligible due to procedural and financial barriers. Strengthening aquaculture through awareness programs, community-based cold chain facilities, simplified credit access, and adoption of scientific practices can improve food security and provide sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities.
Keywords: Aquaculture development; Biofloc technology; Cage culture; Livelihood diversification; Nandurbar district