Farmers in Jharkhand are taking up the profession of fish farming to an increasing extent and earning better income for themselves. The State Government is promoting this practice and also directing special attention for its further development in Jharkhand. Apart from public ponds, fish farming is also being practiced in the privately owned ponds as well. The State Government has set the aim of producing 2.65 lakh metric tonnes of fish during the 2021-22 financial year with a vision of making Jharkhand leading producers of fish in the country.
In the financial year 2020-21, the Jharkhand government had intended to produce 2.40 lakh metric tonnes of fish. However, by January 2021 an over 1.94 lakh metric ton of fish production has been achieved. The target of 1000 crore fish seed production was also achieved in the financial year 2020-21. Apart from this, during 2020-21, a fish rearing pond on 58 acres of land was created by the State Government. In the recent state budget for the year 2021-22, the government has revised its targets in the sector and aims to produce 1100 crore fish seed and also develop a fish rearing pond utilizing 80 acres of land.
Jharkhand, with the help of its 7,390 fish farmers and fish seed producers, is coming close to becoming a leader in fish seed production in the country and to support fish farmers and further promote the profession, the state government has stored 349.24 lakh major carp and 81 lakh grass carp fish seeds along with over 1,44,438 fish spawn.
Feed based fisheries are being promoted by the state government to increase the pace of development in this sector. The state government has promised to support the displaced fishers with fish seeds and allocate boats at subsidized rates during the financial year 2021-22. Floating fish seeds are also being provided by the government to the fisheries at a subsidy of 50 per cent, which is helping in the increase of fish production and bestowing better profits.
To monitor the water quality of the pond, internet-based devices are being employed by the state government. Also mobile fish retailing kiosks, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws and pick-up vans are being provided to the fish sellers to ensure a clean and healthy fish market.
