The Fisheries Department is offering fish farming opportunities to farmers, helping them take advantage of various government schemes and increase their income. Farmers can benefit from these schemes by engaging in fish farming in their ponds. To ensure that farmers face no challenges in transporting fish from ponds to markets, *Local-18* interviewed Vinod Kumar, the Chief Executive Officer of the Fisheries Department in Meerut, for an exclusive discussion.
Vinod Kumar, CEO of the Fisheries Department, explained that under government guidelines, farmers are provided with vehicles to ensure timely delivery of fish to markets. Various schemes offer bicycles, motorcycles, and autos equipped to transport fish to markets efficiently.
The Fisheries Department has set different subsidy criteria for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and the general category. For women from SC and ST communities, the department offers up to 60% subsidy, while men receive up to 40% subsidy. Young individuals interested in purchasing these vehicles should regularly check the department’s official website, (https://fisheries.up.gov.in). The department will update the website with the scheme’s implementation details so that eligible individuals can benefit from it and play a crucial role in the fish supply chain.
Vinod Kumar further shared that in rural areas, women and men from SC, ST, and the general category, who either own land or have leased land for five years, are eligible for government support to build ponds and start fish production. Several schemes provide subsidies ranging from 40% to 50% to encourage more farmers to take up fish farming.
Vehicle Subsidy Details: If you purchase a vehicle under these schemes, the department has set the price at ₹10,000 for bicycles, ₹75,000 for motorcycles, and ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh for goods-carrying tempos. Women are eligible for a 60% subsidy, while men can receive up to 40% subsidy.
