Bihar has achieved remarkable self-sufficiency in fish farming, witnessing a threefold increase in production over the past two decades. The state’s agricultural roadmap has been instrumental in transforming the landscape of fish production. Production has surged from 2.68 lakh metric tons before 2005 to 8.73 lakh metric tons in the fiscal year 2023-24. The government has implemented various schemes under the agricultural roadmap to boost fish production.
These initiatives include the Chief Minister’s Integrated Chaur Development Scheme, Reservoir Fisheries Development Scheme, renovation of private ponds, and the River Restoration Program in the Ganga River ecosystem, along with the centrally sponsored Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. These schemes have significantly contributed to increased fish production and have generated employment opportunities.
The government is also focused on providing markets for fish farmers. Under the Chief Minister’s Fisheries Marketing Scheme, 30-30 fish markets are being constructed in selected blocks across the state during the current fiscal year.
New technologies such as biofloc and RAS are being utilized to enhance fish production. Currently, 439 biofloc units and 15 RAS units have been established in the state. Furthermore, 61.81 lakh fingerlings have been released into the Ganga, Gandak, and Budhi Gandak rivers to augment fish production during the current fiscal year.
Success stories highlight the positive impact. Jyotsna Singh from Samastipur district, who is involved in fish seed production, has become self-reliant and provides employment to 20 people. With a grant of ₹15.00 lakh from the fisheries department in 2023, she established Kamal Matsya Beej Hatchery, which has been highly successful. Sanjay Sahni from the same district is producing 15 tons of fish annually, earning ₹12-15 lakh through the Chief Minister’s Integrated Chaur Development Scheme. The combined efforts of Lakshmi Sahni, Sheela Devi, Pramod Kumar Sahni, Rani Kumari, and Siti Devi in Dubaila Chaur, Raipur, have resulted in the production of 10-15 tons of fish annually, generating ₹13-18 lakh. These initiatives underscore the significant economic progress experienced by hundreds of individuals through fish farming.
