Bihar has transformed its fish farming sector, achieving significant progress and self-sufficiency. The state’s fish production has more than tripled in the last two decades. The state’s agricultural roadmap has been instrumental in this remarkable achievement. Production levels have increased from 2.68 lakh metric tons before 2005 to an impressive 8.73 lakh metric tons in 2023-24.
The government has implemented various schemes under its agricultural roadmap to stimulate fish production. These initiatives include the Chief Minister’s Integrated Chaur Development Scheme, Reservoir Fisheries Development Scheme, renovation of private ponds, and the River Restoration Program in the Ganga River ecosystem, along with the centrally sponsored Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. These programs have been instrumental in boosting production and creating new employment opportunities.
To support fish farmers, the government is also focusing on improving market access. The Chief Minister’s Fisheries Marketing Scheme is constructing fish markets in selected blocks across the state during the current fiscal year.
New technologies are being adopted to increase productivity. Biofloc and RAS techniques are being implemented to help farmers produce more fish. The state currently has 439 biofloc units and 15 RAS units. In the current fiscal year, 61.81 lakh fish fingerlings have been released into rivers such as the Ganga, Gandak, and Budhi Gandak to improve fish production.
Individual success stories demonstrate the positive impact of these initiatives. Jyotsna Singh from Samastipur district has achieved self-reliance through fish seed production, and now employs 20 people. Sanjay Sahni in Samastipur is earning ₹12-15 lakh annually through the Chief Minister’s Integrated Chaur Development Scheme. In Dubaila Chaur, Raipur, a group of farmers is generating ₹13-18 lakh per year through fish farming. Fish farming has brought significant economic progress to numerous individuals.