Himachal: Carp Matsya Yojana to promote fish farming

Himachal Pradesh: The state government has launched the “Mukhyamantri Carp Matsya Palan Yojana” to promote fish farming by providing 80% subsidy, with the aim to boost self-employment opportunities for rural youth. The initiative enables residents interested in fish farming to apply for carp fish farming through the District Fisheries Officers of their area. Vivek Chandel, director of fisheries in Bilaspur, said applications should be submitted in a prescribed format, adding that applicants should have a piece of land for fish farming. Alternatively, leased land can be accepted if the lease is valid for at least ten years, with a registered lease document attached with the application.
The application process also requires supporting documents including Aadhaar card, mobile number and bank account details. Chandel specified that a minimum pond size of 500 square metres is required, with projects allowed to extend up to two hectares. Project proposals will only be considered on the recommendation of the senior fisheries officer in the applicant’s area. Unemployed youth will be given priority, and applications will be processed on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. The subsidy will be disbursed in two installments: the first installment (50%) on completion of half of the construction work and the second installment after full completion, based on the recommendation of the senior fisheries officer. The beneficiaries will have to maintain the ponds for at least seven years from their own resources, to ensure continuous fish farming during this period. The scheme is expected to be a significant aid to the rural youth of the state, creating sustainable self-employment opportunities through fish farming.