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Transforming Lives Through Fish Farming

Munish Sood
MANDI: A quiet yet impactful employment transformation is underway in the rural areas of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, where numerous young individuals are establishing sustainable livelihoods through fish farming.

The Chief Minister Carp Fish Farming Scheme, initiated by the Himachal Pradesh government in 2024, has emerged as a crucial support system for unemployed youth, enabling them to convert village ponds into lucrative enterprises.

As reported by Neetu Singh, the Assistant Director of Fisheries in Mandi, 16 unemployed individuals have successfully benefited from the scheme in the current financial year 2024-25. “These individuals have significantly improved their livelihoods through carp fish farming, generating self-employment and local job opportunities,” she stated.

Motivated by these positive outcomes, two additional beneficiaries have recently been approved and have commenced the construction of their ponds. Singh noted that the department is actively encouraging more youth to embrace this model, which is particularly well-suited to the district's landscape and abundant water resources.

“Mandi’s natural assets — its pristine water streams, temperate climate, and appropriate land — render it an ideal location for fish farming,” Singh elaborated. “The goal is to empower rural youth to earn a respectable livelihood within their own communities rather than seeking employment elsewhere.”

The estimated investment for establishing a one-hectare fish pond under the Chief Minister Carp Fish Farming Scheme is Rs 12.40 lakh, which encompasses Rs 8.40 lakh for pond construction and Rs 4 lakh for seed and feed. The government offers an 80% subsidy to all beneficiaries, alleviating the financial strain on aspiring entrepreneurs.

Additionally, the Fisheries Department is providing support through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in 2020-21. Under this central initiative, beneficiaries from the general category receive a 40% subsidy, while SC, ST, and women beneficiaries qualify for 60% assistance.

In addition to financial aid, the department guarantees that each beneficiary receives training in contemporary aquaculture practices, covering aspects such as disease management, feed formulation, pond upkeep, and market connections. Regular workshops and awareness campaigns are being organized to promote fish farming as a dependable income source in rural Himachal.

Singh encouraged unemployed youth who possess land or have leased property for a minimum of seven years to reach out to the Office of the Assistant Director (Fisheries) in Mandi for guidance and support in applying for the scheme.

Officials are optimistic that as more young individuals engage in fish farming, this initiative will not only alleviate unemployment but also bolster the rural economy, aligning with the vision of a self-sufficient Himachal Pradesh.