Patna: Fisheries farmers in Bihar are set to become more self-reliant with the state government launching a new Indigenous Fish Farming Scheme to diversify fish species and boost rural incomes. The Directorate of Fisheries under the Department of Animal and Fisheries Resources has initiated the scheme to promote the production and rearing of potential indigenous species such as minor carp and catfish.
The scheme’s primary objective is to produce seeds of these species using advanced hatchery technology and make them available to farmers at reasonable prices. This is expected to enhance fish productivity, conserve native fish varieties, and strengthen the rural economy.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries will receive a 60% subsidy on the fixed unit cost across all components, while the remaining amount can be contributed by the farmer or financed through a bank loan. Subsidies are provided in four categories:
- Rs 13.12 lakh per unit for installation of minor carp hatcheries
- Rs 15.37 lakh per unit for installation of catfish hatcheries
- Rs 94,000 per unit for minor carp rearing fisheries
- Rs 1.35 lakh per unit for rearing fisheries of catfish and other species
The scheme is being implemented in all districts of Bihar, and applications can be submitted online until August 31. Interested farmers must have a minimum of 0.25 acre and a maximum of 1 acre water area per family to be eligible for subsidy on hatchery or rearing fisheries components.
More details can be accessed on fisheries.bihar.gov.in or by contacting respective District Fisheries Offices.
