Carp Fishery Yojana to boost fish farming

The state government has introduced the “Chief Minister Carp Fishery Yojana” to promote fish farming by providing an 80% subsidy, aimed at fostering self-employment opportunities for rural youth. This initiative enables residents interested in fish farming to apply for carp fish farming through district fisheries officers in their area.

Vivek Chandel, Director of Fisheries at Bilaspur, said applications must be submitted in a prescribed format, with applicants required to own a piece of land for fish farming. Alternatively, leased land can be accepted if the lease is valid for at least ten years, with a registered lease document attached to the application.

The application process also requires supporting documents, including Aadhaar card, mobile number and bank account details. Chandel specified that a minimum pond size of 500 sq metres is necessary, with projects allowed to expand up to two hectares.

Project proposals will only be considered upon recommendation from the Senior Fisheries Officer in the applicant’s area. Priority will be given to unemployed youth, and applications will be processed on a ‘’first come, first served’’ basis. The subsidy will be disbursed in two installments: the first installment (50%) upon completion of half the construction, and the second after full completion, based on the Senior Fisheries Officer’s recommendation.

Beneficiaries are required to maintain the ponds for a minimum of seven years from their own resources, ensuring consistent fish rearing during this period. This scheme is anticipated to be a significant support for the state’s rural youth, creating sustainable self-employment opportunities through fish farming.