Hazaribagh- Fish farming under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is reshaping the lives of farmers in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district, turning them self-sufficient and providing stable incomes.
The scheme, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, has opened new avenues for rural communities, especially those affected by displacement during reservoir construction.
District Fisheries Officer Pradeep Kumar revealed that cage culture fish farming began in the Tilaiya reservoir around 2012-13 with state government support. Over time, farmers adopted scientific fish farming, boosted by training programs outside Jharkhand.
The introduction of PMMSY further accelerated progress. With no cap on beneficiaries, thousands have availed benefits across the state, making fish farming a popular and profitable venture.
Local farmers like Pintu Kumar Yadav, who once worked as a driver in Rajasthan, have now established successful fish farming businesses in their villages. Pintu received equipment under PMMSY and now earns ₹10 lakh annually. He has built a permanent home, ensured quality education for his children, and achieved financial independence.
Fish farming is organized through a committee with 31 members, generating jobs for nearly 100 individuals directly or indirectly. Fish harvested from Tilaiya reservoir is supplied to various Indian states, expanding markets and boosting income.
Earlier, migration was common in the area due to a lack of livelihood opportunities. Today, the region’s socio-economic conditions have improved considerably, and families are prospering in their own villages.
With inputs from IANS