Patna: Bihar is set to introduce modern Fresh Catch Kiosks on the lines of Sudha milk booths to provide consumers with fresh and live fish in clean and hygienic surroundings. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary will inaugurate the state’s first Fresh Catch Kiosk at the Fisheries Development Building premises in Mithapur, Patna, on Sunday.
Under the state government‘s Saat Nischay-3 programme, a total of 100 Fresh Catch Kiosks are planned across Bihar. The initiative aims to organise fish sales, improve access to quality fish for consumers and provide fish farmers with better market opportunities.
In the first phase, 30 kiosks will be established, followed by another 70 in the second phase. With the launch of the first outlet in Mithapur, preparations are also underway to make the remaining 29 kiosks under the first phase operational soon.
Bihar to Establish 100 Fresh Catch Kiosks in Two Phases
The Fresh Catch Kiosk initiative will be implemented in two phases across the state.
- First phase: 30 Fresh Catch Kiosks will be established in major cities and locations, including Nalanda, Ara, Bhojpur and Buxar.
- Second phase: Another 70 kiosks will be opened at different locations.
- Patna expansion: Additional outlets are planned in Machhuatoli, Patliputra, Kankarbagh, Urja Stadium, BSEB Colony, Rajabazar and Phulwarisharif.
After the initial rollout, the scheme will be expanded to district headquarters, subdivisions and blocks to improve access to organised fish-selling facilities across Bihar.
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Project Estimated to Cost ₹10.56 Crore
The total estimated expenditure on the Fresh Catch Kiosk project is around ₹10.56 crore. The state government will bear up to 80% of the construction cost under the scheme.
The initiative is being implemented through the Directorate of Fisheries and Bihar Aquaculture Infrastructure and Development Corporation Limited (BAIDCL), under the Department of Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources.The government aims to develop organised fish-selling centres with modern infrastructure to improve the quality of fish retail services and strengthen the state’s fisheries sector.
Fresh Catch Kiosks to Have Cold Chain and Deep Freezer Facilities
The proposed kiosks will be equipped with modern facilities to maintain the freshness and quality of fish. These centres will provide:
- Cold chain facilities to maintain freshness.
- Deep freezers for proper storage.
- Display counters for fish products.
- Clean water and proper drainage systems.
- Electricity supply and backup arrangements.
- Digital payment facilities.
- Waste management systems.
These facilities will allow consumers to purchase fresh and live fish in a clean and hygienic environment.
To maintain a regular supply of fish, the government also plans to develop a strong network connecting local fish producers with kiosk operators.
Fresh Catch Kiosks to Provide Better Market Access to Fish Farmers
The initiative is expected to provide fish farmers with an organised marketplace for selling their produce. Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and fisheries cooperative societies will also benefit from the new sales network.
By connecting producers directly with organised retail outlets, the scheme is expected to reduce dependence on intermediaries and provide fish farmers with better opportunities to reach consumers. The initiative will also help improve the marketing and distribution of locally produced fish across the state.
Training and Employment Opportunities Through the Scheme
To ensure the smooth operation of the kiosks, operators will receive training and capacity-building support.
The Directorate of Fisheries and BAIDCL will develop a supply network to ensure the regular availability of fish at the centres. Activities related to kiosk operations, storage, transportation and supply management are also expected to create new employment opportunities.
The Fresh Catch Kiosk initiative aims to make fish retailing cleaner, safer and more organised while strengthening market connections for fish farmers and supporting the development of Bihar’s fisheries sector.
