Patna: The Bihar government has rolled out a financial assistance package for fish farmers affected by natural disasters, with specific support earmarked for the repair and replacement of damaged equipment, provision of fish feed, and renovation of fish farms.
According to the Department of Animal and Fisheries Resources, financial aid will be disbursed in three key categories. The first includes compensation for damage to non-mechanised boats and fishing nets. Fish farmers will receive Rs 6,000 for repairs to partially damaged boats and Rs 3,000 for partially damaged nets. Those whose boats and nets are completely destroyed will be eligible for Rs 15,000 and Rs 4,000 respectively. However, this support is limited to beneficiaries not receiving aid under any other government scheme.
The second category offers an input subsidy of Rs 10,000 per hectare for fish feed. This assistance will be available only to small and marginal farmers who have not received similar benefits under other schemes, including those provided by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
In the third category, fish farmers will receive Rs 18,000 per hectare for removing silt and repairing or renovating damaged fish ponds. Like other forms of aid, this support is available only to those who are not availing of subsidies under other schemes.
The aid package follows disaster relief guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Bihar’s Disaster Management Department in October and December 2022 respectively.
Fish farmers seeking further details are encouraged to contact the District Fisheries Officer or visit the Department’s official website at https://state.bihar.gov.in/ahd/CitizenHome.html.
