Patna: The Government of Bihar is set to launch a network of modern, tech-enabled fish outlets across Patna from April, allowing customers to order live fish via mobile apps and WhatsApp while offering entrepreneurs significant subsidies to set up retail units.
The initiative, led by the Department of Dairy, Fisheries, and Animal Resources, will see 10 outlets established in key locations across the city in its first phase. These outlets will offer locally sourced live fish as well as frozen products, marking a shift towards organised and digitally integrated fish retail.
A dedicated mobile application is being developed as part of the scheme, incorporating Google Maps-based location services. Customers will be able to identify their nearest outlet and place orders directly from home, signalling the government’s push to modernise the sector through technology.
Officials said the primary objective is to create a direct market linkage for fishermen and women’s self-help groups, ensuring fair prices for producers while improving access to fresh, unadulterated fish for consumers.
The scheme also aims to encourage entrepreneurship, with the government offering subsidies of up to 80% for setting up the outlets. Financial assistance will cover an initial cost of approximately Rs 15,000 for outlets within municipal corporation areas and Rs 10,000 in municipal council regions.
Applications for the scheme have already opened, with interested individuals invited to apply through the department’s official website.
The selected locations in Patna include Pataliputra Golambar, Gardanibagh, Chitkohra, Kankarbagh Tempo Stand, Mithapur Matsya Bhawan, Musallahpur and Machhua Toli, among others.
According to department secretary Dr N Vijayalakshmi, Bihar has emerged as the fourth-largest fish-producing state in the country, with a current annual production of 9.59 lakh metric tonnes. The focus is now on strengthening marketing infrastructure and building a robust home delivery ecosystem.
Over the past decade, the state’s fisheries sector has recorded a 100% increase in production, rising from ninth position in 2013–14 to fourth at present, reflecting rapid growth alongside expanding consumer demand.
