Patna: Bihar has announced financial assistance for fishermen and fish farmers affected by disasters during the financial year 2026-27. The support will cover damaged boats, fishing nets, fish feed and the restoration of affected fish farms and ponds, with the aim of providing immediate relief and helping restore livelihoods.
The assistance has been structured according to guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Bihar’s Disaster Management Department. The relief provisions cover three major areas — boats and nets, fish feed, and restoration of fisheries and ponds.
₹6,000 for Boat Repairs, ₹15,000 for Replacement
Disaster-affected beneficiaries can receive assistance for non-mechanised boats and fishing nets that are damaged or lost.
For a partially damaged boat, the government will provide ₹6,000 for repairs. If a boat is completely damaged, eligible beneficiaries can receive ₹15,000 for replacement.
Similar assistance has been provided for fishing nets. Beneficiaries will receive ₹3,000 for repairing a partially damaged net and ₹4,000 for replacing a completely damaged net.
The assistance will be available only to eligible beneficiaries who have not received subsidy or financial assistance under another government scheme for the same disaster.
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₹10,000 Per Hectare for Fish Feed
Small and marginal fish farmers affected by disasters will also receive input subsidy for fish feed.
The assistance has been fixed at ₹10,000 per hectare to help farmers meet feed-related requirements after a disaster and resume fish farming operations.
However, beneficiaries who have already received assistance or subsidy under another government scheme for the same disaster will not be eligible for this support.
The one-time subsidy available under schemes of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying will remain separate from this provision.
₹18,000 Per Hectare for Pond Restoration
Financial assistance will also be available for restoring fish farms and ponds damaged by disasters. The support will help make affected fisheries usable again and assist fish farmers in restarting their operations.
The government has fixed assistance of ₹18,000 per hectare for activities such as removing silt from ponds, restoration work and repairs to fish farms.
As with the other relief components, this benefit will be available to eligible fish farmers who have not received assistance or subsidy under another government scheme for the same disaster.
Support Aims to Restore Livelihoods
The relief package is aimed not only at providing immediate financial support but also at helping disaster-affected fishermen and fish farmers return to their regular livelihood activities.
Damage to boats and nets can directly affect fishermen’s ability to earn, while damaged ponds, fish farms and loss of feed can disrupt fish production for farmers. Assistance for repairs, replacement and restoration is therefore intended to help affected beneficiaries restart their activities.
The support also provides separate assistance for different types of losses, allowing eligible beneficiaries to seek help according to the nature of damage caused by the disaster.
Fishermen Can Contact District Fisheries Officers
Disaster-affected fishermen and fish farmers can obtain detailed information about eligibility and assistance provisions from the District Fisheries Officer in their respective districts.
Additional information will also be available through the websites of the Department of Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources and the Directorate of Fisheries, Bihar.
The initiative provides a formal support mechanism for disaster-affected people dependent on fisheries for their livelihood. By covering boats, nets, fish feed and damaged ponds, Bihar’s assistance framework seeks to address key requirements for restoring fishing and fish farming activities after disasters.
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