Telangana has begun construction of a modern freshwater fish export centre at Koheda in Rangareddy district, with a project cost of around Rs 47 crore. State Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Vakiti Srihari laid the foundation stone for the facility on Friday, stating that the centre would help increase fishermen’s income, generate employment and open access to international markets.
The minister said the export centre would be the first of its kind in the country to be established in an inland state rather than a coastal region. The project is being developed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, with 60 per cent funding from the central government and 40 per cent contribution from the Telangana government.
The facility will include modern infrastructure such as cold storage units, fish purification systems, packaging centres, training facilities, customs services and a large wholesale market. Officials said the centre is expected to provide better market access for fish produced in Telangana and help fishermen receive improved prices for their produce.
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Srihari said the project would benefit thousands of people involved in the fisheries supply chain. Around 2,000 traders are expected to conduct business at the centre, while nearly 5,000 people could receive direct and indirect employment opportunities in areas including loading, unloading, packaging, transportation and related services.
The minister said the export hub would serve as more than just a fish market by connecting Telangana’s fisheries sector with global markets and strengthening the rural economy. He added that the government’s aim is to ensure that fish produced in the state reaches international buyers and contributes to the financial growth of fishing communities.
Highlighting Telangana’s performance in fisheries, Srihari said the state currently holds a leading position in freshwater fish production. In 2025, Telangana recorded approximately 4.20 lakh tonnes of fish production along with 15,000 tonnes of freshwater prawn production.
The foundation ceremony was attended by Bhuvanagiri MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, MLA Malreddy Rangareddy, Fisheries Director Nikhil, Fruit Market Chairman Chiluk Madhu, Rangareddy Fisheries Cooperative Society President Dusa Venkatesh and other officials and representatives. The minister thanked government departments and fishermen’s organisations for supporting the project.
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