River ranching of native fish species in Tamil Nadu plays a crucial role in restoring the State's fishery resources by replenishing wild stocks. This initiative not only aids in the conservation and restoration of native fish population but also enhances the socio-economic conditions of the inland fisherfolk living adjacent to inland water bodies.

In Tamil Nadu, the river ranching program was implemented at a cost of Rs. 1.24 crore for the year 2021-22 and Rs. 1.20 crore for the year 2022-23. Through this programme, 110 lakh advanced fingerlings of size ranging 80-100 mm has been produced and ranched into rivers of Tamil Nadu viz., the Cauvery, Bhavani, and Thamirabharani rivers and their tributaries. The native fish species restoration programme in the State includes breeding of native fish species in captivity, rearing and ranching in the natural water bodies to ensure increase in fish production of the State.

Currently, for the year 2025-26, 56 lakh advanced fingerlings has been planned to ranching at a total cost of Rs. 1.20 crore.

Govt. fish seed production centres selected for Breeding and Seed production under River ranching programme

Rivers and their tributaries selected for ranching programme in Tamil Nadu

Fish species ranched