Patna: Patna is set to strengthen its position in India’s fisheries sector with the establishment of a regional office of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) at Nandlal Chapra. Officials say the move will reduce long-standing barriers faced by fish farmers in accessing technical support, funding and quality inputs.
A 5.68-acre site has been identified for the facility, with operations expected to begin by the end of April. Until then, a temporary office will function from the Matsya Vikas Bhawan in the city, following a decision taken at a high-level meeting between Bihar’s fisheries department and the Union government in Delhi.
The new centre is expected to serve not only Bihar but the wider eastern region, including Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha, positioning Patna as a key training and knowledge hub for aquaculture.
For years, fish farmers in Bihar have relied on institutions in Hyderabad for access to advanced aquaculture technologies, subsidies and quality fish seed. The new regional office is intended to decentralise these services, making them more accessible and reducing both costs and delays.
Kapil Ashok, secretary of the state’s Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources, said the facility would allow direct monitoring of flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and the PM Matsya Kisan Samriddhi Yojana. He added that improved oversight would ensure faster disbursal of subsidies directly into farmers’ bank accounts.
The centre will also focus on bridging the gap between fish production and consumption in Bihar by accelerating the transfer of technology. Techniques such as biofloc aquaculture are expected to be introduced more widely, enabling farmers to adopt intensive and sustainable fish-farming practices.
Officials say the initiative will also prioritise the scientific development of Bihar’s extensive wetland areas, known locally as “chaur”, to enhance productivity. By ensuring a local supply of quality fish seed and feed, the project aims to reduce dependence on other states and improve profitability for farmers.
Beyond Bihar, the NFDB office is expected to function as a regional training centre, supporting capacity-building for fisheries officials and farmers across eastern India. Authorities believe the move could help the state achieve self-sufficiency in fish production while strengthening its role in the broader aquatic trade network, including links to northeast India.
