Bastar's Manki Baghel Earned Rs 15,000 in 2 Months Through Spawn Promotion Scheme
Raipur, The Spawn Promotion Scheme is a welfare scheme run by the Fisheries Department of the Chhattisgarh government, which aims to increase local production of fish seeds (spawn) in rural areas, teach tribal and local fish farmers scientific fish farming methods, and increase their income. Under the scheme, fish farmers are provided with high-quality fish seeds (spawn) and nursery nets absolutely free. Farmers are given practical training in pond preparation, spawn collection, nursery management, and maintaining water quality.
The Spawn Promotion Scheme of the Fisheries Department of the Chhattisgarh government is becoming a new and powerful means of economic self-reliance for the rural farmers of Bastar district. By taking advantage of the scheme, a woman farmer, Manki Baghel, from village Sivni in Bastar block, has set an example in the region by earning an additional Rs 15,000 in just two months.
Success Achieved Through Government Help and Hard Work
In May, the Fisheries Department provided Manki Baghel with approximately 25,000 spawns of mixed species. Along with this, manure and oil cake were provided as feed to increase pond fertility. Manki reared the spawn in two ponds spread over 1 acre of her family's land. With regular feeding, care, and monitoring through net operations, high-quality fish fingerlings were produced in a short time. The department provided oxygen cylinders, polythene bags, sacks, and nets free of cost to transport the ready fish seeds to a safe market.
Better Profits in Less Time
Manki Baghel's nephew, Sukhlal Baghel, informed that about 30 kilograms of fish fingerlings have been sold so far at the rate of Rs 500 per kilogram, resulting in a direct income of Rs 15,000 for the family. Currently, about 50 kilograms of fingerlings are ready for sale in the pond, from which good income is expected further. According to Sukhlal, fingerling production is proving to be more profitable than traditional fish farming.
Economic Status to Strengthen with Fish Farming Alongside Agriculture
The Baghel family cultivates improved paddy on 7 acres of land during the Kharif season and maize and vegetables on 2 acres along the riverbank during the Rabi season. Encouraged by this successful experience, the family has decided to expand fingerling production next year, thereby making fish farming a main pillar of their income along with agriculture.