Patna: Bihar is set to enter a new phase of fisheries development with the completion of its first Fish Brood Bank in Sitamarhi. Built at a cost of ₹10.92 crore, the facility will produce scientifically developed fish brood and high-quality fish seed within the state for the first time.
The Fish Brood Bank has been established under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and is proposed to be inaugurated on August 8 by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. Spread across nearly 40 acres at Bakhri in Sitamarhi district, the project aims to improve fish production, support fish farmers and strengthen Bihar’s aquaculture sector.
A Big Boost for Fish Farmers
Until now, hatchery operators in Bihar depended largely on brood fish collected from rivers, wetlands and reservoirs. Such naturally sourced brood fish often had genetic limitations, leading to slower growth and higher mortality among fish seed.
The new Bihar Fish Brood Bank will change this by producing healthy, genetically improved and disease-free brood fish through scientific methods. As a result, hatchery operators will have access to affordable, high-quality brood fish and fish seed within the state.
This is expected to improve fish productivity while reducing production costs for fish farmers.
Modern Facility Spread Across 40 Acres
The Fish Brood Bank has been developed at Raghopur Bakhri in Dumra block of Sitamarhi district. It includes brood stock ponds, nursery ponds, rearing ponds and a modern fish seed hatchery to ensure continuous production of quality fish seed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the project through video conferencing in 2020. With construction now complete, the facility is expected to become an important centre for fisheries development in Bihar.
Focus on Indian Major Carp Species
The centre will primarily promote the breeding and conservation of Indian Major Carps and several indigenous fish species.
The major species include:
- Rohu
- Catla
- Mrigal
- Jayanti Rohu
- Amrit Catla
- Common Carp
- Amur Carp
The availability of quality fish seed at affordable prices is expected to increase fish production, improve farmers’ incomes and reduce Bihar’s dependence on fish seed imported from other states.
Creating Jobs and Strengthening the Blue Economy
The Fish Brood Bank is expected to become a major centre for Bihar’s Blue Revolution. Besides increasing fish production, it is likely to create jobs and strengthen the local economy through modern aquaculture.
The centre will also provide several support services for fish farmers, including:
- Soil testing
- Water testing
- Farmer training
- Technical guidance
These services are expected to encourage scientific fish farming, improve productivity and help farmers increase their income.
A Step Towards Self-Reliance in Fisheries
The completion of Bihar’s first Fish Brood Bank marks an important milestone in the state’s fisheries sector. By ensuring a reliable supply of quality brood fish and fish seed, the facility is expected to improve aquaculture, support rural livelihoods and encourage sustainable fish farming.
In the long run, the project could help Bihar become more self-reliant in fisheries while creating new income opportunities for farmers and strengthening the state’s rural economy.
