Jharkhand: PM Matsya Sampada Yojana empowers farmers, making them self-reliant through fish farming

Hazaribagh- The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a key initiative of the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has transformed the lives of farmers in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district. Through fish farming, farmers have found a sustainable income source, enabling them to become self-reliant.

Previously, these farmers were forced to migrate to other states in search of work, but now they are earning a living while staying in their native villages.

District Fisheries Officer Pradeep Kumar shared that fish farming through cage culture was introduced in the Tilaiya reservoir in 2012-13 with the help of state government welfare schemes. Though the fishermen initially took time to adapt to modern techniques, they gradually mastered them.

Farmers were also sent outside the state for training to learn scientific fish farming practices.

The PM Matsya Sampada Yojana has significantly boosted this progress. The scheme places no limit on the number of beneficiaries, resulting in widespread participation and benefits across the state.

Farmers whose lands were submerged during the reservoir’s construction are now utilizing the same waters for fish farming, creating an emotional connection with the land and water.

Pintu Kumar Yadav, one such beneficiary, shared his success story. Previously working as a driver in Rajasthan, he returned home in 2021 and started fish farming under the scheme, receiving two fishing nets. Today, he earns around ?10 lakh annually, lives in a permanent house, and his children are studying in reputed schools.

Fish farming has drastically improved his economic condition, freeing him from debts, with support from his family. A committee of 31 members oversees the fish farming operations, providing direct and indirect employment to around 100 people.

Fish from the Tilaiya reservoir is now supplied to several states across India.

This initiative has not only curbed migration but also enhanced the social and economic status of the region.

With inputs from IANS