Fish farming emerging as rural economy booster in Chakulia

Jamshedpur: Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi on Thursday visited Kerukocha village of Chakulia block and interacted with progressive fish farmers, encouraging them to continue their efforts and serve as an example for others in the district.

During the field visit, the Deputy Commissioner gathered technical details of fish farming and lauded the farmers for adopting modern practices under government schemes. At present, eight progressive farmers of Kerukocha are carrying out large-scale fish farming, reaping both financial and social benefits.

Among them, three farmers are operating 25 biofloc tanks each, while one farmer has set up 8 tanks of respiratory aquaculture. Another has established a small unit with 7 biofloc tanks, and one farmer is running 4 tanks. In addition, a farmer has also ventured into biofloc pond-based production and a feed mill, generating employment and income at the local level. These initiatives were launched between 2022-23 and 2023-24 with support from government schemes.

The Deputy Commissioner praised the farmers’ enterprise, stating that their work has not only strengthened their families’ livelihoods but also inspired other farmers in the area. He directed the District Fisheries Officer to ensure wide publicity of fisheries-related schemes so that more farmers could benefit. He also instructed officials to link additional farmers with the feed mill scheme.

Calling fisheries a powerful medium to strengthen the rural economy, Satyarthi appealed to farmers to diversify their sources of income by adopting fish farming alongside traditional agriculture. He highlighted that under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, farmers are being provided assistance for constructing biofloc tanks, feed mills, and ponds, along with subsidies to make entry into the business easier.

“The district administration is committed to making farmers self-reliant and doubling their income. Fisheries, as an alternative livelihood option, will not only strengthen the rural economy but also create new avenues of employment,” the Deputy Commissioner said.