Fish Farming: The government offers a subsidy of 60%, this scheme can prove very helpful

Fish farming can now be pursued alongside traditional agriculture by constructing ponds on private land. The government offers a subsidy of 60% of the pond’s cost to farmers from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women, while farmers from the general and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories are eligible for a 40% subsidy. Interested individuals must submit an online application to the fisheries department. The central government will provide 60% of the subsidy, with the remaining 40% funded by the state government.

The government offers a subsidy of 60%

Assistant Fisheries Development Officer Sohanlal indicated that after applying under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, financial approval will be granted, and a grant will be disbursed upon completion of the pond and submission of geo-tagging evidence. To participate in the scheme, applicants must register online on the PMMSY portal using their SSO ID, with applications also accepted through any e-mitra service.

The fisheries department will review the online applications and forward them to the directorate in Jaipur for administrative and financial approval. Upon receiving financial approval, a grant will be awarded for the pond construction, contingent upon the submission of geo-tagging proof.

Engaging in fish farming can yield an annual income ranging from 1 to 2 lakh rupees. Sohanlal noted that the nitrate levels in the pond water will increase. Applicants can create ponds spanning 1 to 2 hectares on their private property, with a 1 hectare pond reaching a depth of 6 feet. The grant is calculated based on an estimated cost of approximately 11 lakh rupees, which includes expenses for excavation, fertilizers, and seeds. Women and SC-ST beneficiaries will receive a grant of Rs 6.60 lakh, while general and OBC beneficiaries will receive Rs 4.40 lakh. If a pond is constructed on 2 hectares, the grant amount will be doubled.

The pond can support the cultivation of fish varieties such as Katla, Rohu, and Mrigal. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, a 60% subsidy is available for pond construction for SC, ST, and women beneficiaries, while a 40% subsidy is designated for the general category. Those interested in this initiative can apply online through the Rajasthan Fisheries Department’s website.