Patna: Bihar has launched an ambitious subsidy scheme to promote fish farming among Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers in its plateau regions, offering 80% assistance for constructing ponds on private or leased land.
The scheme targets farmers in Banka, Aurangabad, Gaya, Kaimur, Nawada, Jamui, Munger and Rohtas districts. Applications are open until August 31 for the 2025-26 financial year. Farmers will receive subsidies for ponds ranging from 0.4 to 1 acre at an estimated cost of Rs 16.70 lakh per acre, which covers pond construction, a tubewell, solar pump, advanced input, and a shed.
Beneficiaries must possess private land or have it on lease for at least nine years. Required documents include land ownership certificates or revenue receipts for private land, or a lease agreement on a Rs 1,000 non-judicial stamp paper for leased land.
Applicants need to submit their caste certificate, training certificate, Aadhar card, ration card, voter ID, land map, mobile number, bank account details and IFSC code. Selection will be carried out by a committee headed by the Deputy Fisheries Director.
Officials said the scheme would empower SC and ST farmers in these plateau districts by enabling them to diversify into profitable aquaculture. Detailed information is available on the state Animal and Fisheries Resources Department website.
