Ranchi- Residents of Jharkhand’s Garhwa district have expressed strong enthusiasm following the launch of multiple fisheries development projects by the state Department of Fisheries, with five out of seven projects sanctioned specifically for the region. Locals believe the initiatives will significantly improve livelihoods and enhance income opportunities for fish farmers.
People associated with the fisheries sector in Garhwa welcomed the decision and thanked the government for prioritising the region. Fisheries and fish trading form a major source of livelihood here, and the new projects are expected to provide a major boost to the sector.
One of the key projects, proposed by Nurul Hoda Ansari of Pipra village in Meral block, has been approved under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). The project has received a financial allocation of Rs 4 crore.
The FIDF scheme aims to develop modern fisheries infrastructure in both marine and inland sectors, while also enhancing fish production. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the Blue Revolution, which seeks to strengthen India’s fisheries economy through sustainable growth.
The approved funds will be utilised for advanced fish farming practices, infrastructure development, and fish seed production units. In addition, four more fisheries-related projects are in the pipeline, including the installation of fish cages in the Annaraj Dam.
The initiatives also focus on the welfare and empowerment of local tribal communities. The District Fisheries Department is actively working to link tribal families with fish farming activities under the Riverine Fisheries for Flowing Waters (RRF) scheme.
Under the RRF scheme, rivers and streams with natural water flow are selected for fish farming. Villagers have expressed happiness over the scale of the projects, stating that these efforts will help them become self-reliant and increase household incomes.
Experts believe Garhwa has strong potential for fisheries growth, as the region already has around 7,000 registered fishermen. They note that increased participation in these schemes could substantially raise production and accelerate overall development in the fisheries sector.
With inputs from IANS