Ranchi, Jharkhand | March | 15, 2021 :: Increasingly farmers in Jharkhand are taking up the profession of fish farming and earning a better income for themselves. The Government of Jharkhand is promoting this practice and is directing special attention for its further development in the state. In addition to public ponds, fish farming is being practiced in the privately owned ponds as well. With the goal of making Jharkhand leading producers of fish in the country, the state government has set the target of producing 2.65 lakh metric tons of fish during the 2021-22 financial year.
* Superseding targets
In the financial year 2020-21, the state government had aimed to produce 2.40 lakh metric tons of fish. Against this target, by January 2021 over 1.94 lakh
metric tons of fish production has been achieved. The target of 1000 crore fish seed production in the FY 2020-21 was also achieved. Additionally, during 2020-21, the state government created a fish rearing pond on 58 acres of land. In the recently tabled state budget for the year 2021-22, the government has revised its targets in the sector, it aims to produce 1100 crore fish seed and develop a fish rearing pond utilising 80 acres of land.
* Government help becomes boon
With support from its 7,390 fish farmers and fish seed producers, Jharkhand is headed towards becoming a leader in fish seed production in the country. 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.
The government is promoting feed-based fisheries to fasten the pace of development for this sector. During the financial year 2021-22, the government has promised to support the displaced fishers with fish seeds and provide boats at subsidised rates. The government is also providing floating fish seed to the fisheries at a subsidy of 50% which is helping increase the fish production and yielding better profits.
Internet-based monitoring systems are being adopted
Internet-based devices are being employed by the Government of Jharkhand to monitor the water quality of the pond. To ensure a clean and healthy fish market, mobile fish retailing kiosks, auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws and pick-up vans are being provided to the fish sellers. With support & encouragement from the state government and the hard work of fish producers, Jharkhand is leaping towards a BLUE Revolution.