Patna: Bihar has launched the application process for the Chief Minister Integrated Chaur Development Scheme for 2026-27, aiming to transform underused chaur land into productive assets and create new sources of income for farmers.
The Department of Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources has invited online applications under the scheme. The initiative will promote fish-based integrated aquaculture along with agriculture, horticulture and agroforestry on privately owned chaur land across the state.
The government plans to make better use of water and other natural resources available in chaur areas while increasing production, productivity and farm incomes.
Turning Chaur Land Into Productive Assets
Chaur lands are low-lying areas that can remain underused because of their natural water conditions. Through the new scheme, Bihar plans to develop such land for integrated activities rather than leaving available resources unused.
The programme will combine fish farming with agriculture, horticulture and agroforestry, allowing beneficiaries to use the same land and water resources for multiple productive activities.
The scheme will be implemented through two models — beneficiary-based chaur development and entrepreneur-based chaur development.
The approach is aimed at creating more opportunities for farmers while encouraging productive use of land and local natural resources.
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Up to 50% Subsidy Available
Financial assistance is one of the major components of the Chaur Land Development Scheme.
For beneficiary-based development, the government has fixed different unit costs depending on the type of development undertaken on one hectare of land.
The approved unit costs include:
- ₹8.88 lakh per hectare for construction of two ponds
- ₹7.32 lakh per hectare for construction of four ponds
- ₹9.69 lakh per hectare for construction of one pond along with land development
- Beneficiaries from all categories will receive 50 per cent subsidy on the prescribed unit cost.
- For entrepreneur-based chaur development, the subsidy has been fixed at 40 per cent.
The financial support is intended to reduce the initial investment burden and encourage more farmers and eligible entrepreneurs to take up integrated aquaculture and related activities.
Fisheries at the Centre of the Plan
Fish farming will form the main component of the integrated development model.
The scheme seeks to develop chaur land primarily for fish-based integrated aquaculture while creating scope for other agricultural activities around it. Agriculture, horticulture and agroforestry will be promoted alongside fisheries.
This integrated approach can help beneficiaries diversify their sources of farm income instead of depending on a single activity.
The government’s focus is also on improving the use of water and other resources naturally available in chaur areas, with increased production and productivity as key objectives.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme allows applications from individual and group beneficiaries as well as eligible entrepreneurs.
Individual or group applicants will need to submit self-attested documents, including:
- Two passport-size photographs
- Aadhaar card
- Caste certificate
- Documents related to consent for working as a group, wherever applicable
Entrepreneur applicants will have to provide additional documents, including a self-attested registration certificate, audited records and income-tax returns for the previous three years, PAN card, GST details, land ownership documents and lease agreements, as applicable.
Applicants who have received fisheries-related training or have prior experience in fisheries-based enterprises will receive preference during the selection process.
Online Applications Open for 2026-27
Applications for the Chief Minister Integrated Chaur Development Scheme can be submitted online through the Directorate of Fisheries website.
Applicants can visit fisheries.bihar.gov.in to access information and apply for the scheme.
Those seeking further information can also approach their nearest District Fisheries Office.
The online application process gives farmers and other eligible applicants an opportunity to participate in the 2026-27 programme and seek financial support for developing chaur land.
A Wider Push for Rural Income
The initiative goes beyond fish farming by bringing fisheries, agriculture, horticulture and agroforestry under one development framework.
For Bihar, where large areas of chaur land remain underused, the programme seeks to convert available natural resources into productive economic assets. The combination of subsidy support and integrated activities could also encourage more investment in fisheries and related rural enterprises.
By focusing on production, productivity and better resource utilisation, the scheme is aimed at creating additional income opportunities for farmers while bringing currently underused chaur land into productive use.
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