Bihar fish production in 81.98% increase, government's major schemes to promote fish production

The Bihar government has been running several schemes to promote fish farming, leading to an increase in the income of fish farmers. According to the Bihar government, fish production has increased from 4.79 lakh metric tonnes in 2014-15 to 8.73 lakh metric tonnes in 2023-24, marking a growth of 81.98%. As a result, Bihar has now reached the fourth position in the country for fish production, compared to its ninth position in 2014-15. Furthermore, in 2023-24, Bihar also exported 38.38 thousand metric tonnes of fish to other states.

Special Government Packages for Fish Production Promotion:

To encourage fish production, the Government of India approved a special package for Bihar, allocating a total of ₹279.55 crore, of which ₹102.49 crore is the central share, and ₹56.35 crore has already been released to the state. This package includes approval for key activities such as fish seed rearing, construction of new ponds, Magur and prawn hatcheries, housing for fishermen, cage culture, wholesale and retail fish markets, and mobile fish outlets.

Government Initiatives to Promote Fish Farming in Bihar:

Additionally, the Bihar government has taken several initiatives under the state plan to promote fish farming and increase production. These include:

1. Fish training schemes
2. Fish exposure visit schemes
3. Input assistance for fish farming
4. Installation of aerators in fish ponds
5. Tubewell and pump-set schemes
6. Renovation of old ponds
7. Quality fish fingerling production
8. Wetland development schemes
9. River ranching schemes
10. Fish pond construction in plateau regions
11. Diversification of fish species

Approval of ₹522 Crore for Fish Farming Projects in Bihar:

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a total of ₹522.41 crore has been sanctioned for projects in Bihar from 2020-21 to 2023-24, and the current financial year 2024-25. Of this, ₹158.82 crore is the central share, and ₹79.84 crore has already been released. The approved activities under this scheme include the establishment of finfish hatcheries, brood banks, cage culture in reservoirs, ornamental fish breeding units, RAS and biofloc units, cold storage, feed mills, and post-harvest transport vehicles.

Financial Assistance for Farmers : To support fish farmers, 1,290 Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) have been issued to fishermen in Bihar to help meet their working capital needs.

Initiatives for Livestock and Dairy Development:

1. National Gokul Mission (RGM): The government has included 27.91 lakh animals in the development of indigenous breeds, performed 35.11 lakh artificial inseminations, and benefited 20.95 lakh farmers.
2. National Dairy Development Program: 17 projects were approved for quality testing equipment and primary chilling facilities, with a total cost of ₹263.23 crore.
3. National Livestock Mission: Aimed at employment generation, entrepreneurship development, and increasing per-animal productivity.
4. Livestock Health and Disease Control Program: Focused on promoting livestock health services and increasing livestock productivity.