Patna: The Bihar government is promoting the conservation of native fish species through the Fish Species Diversification Scheme, under which eligible beneficiaries can receive subsidies of up to 60% for fish farming and related activities.
The Animal and Fisheries Resources Department has invited applications from people interested in undertaking native fish farming during the financial year 2026-27. Applications can be submitted online through the department’s website until August 31.
The scheme is being implemented across all districts of Bihar.
Native Fish, Shrimp and Pearl Farming Covered
The scheme covers several fisheries activities, including the farming of native fish species as well as shrimp and pearls.
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The eligible activities include:
- Minor carp farming
- Catfish and other fish farming
- Shrimp farming
- Pearl farming
Under the scheme, beneficiaries from all categories can receive a subsidy of up to 60% of the prescribed unit cost.
Four Components Under the Scheme
The Fish Species Diversification Scheme has four components covering different forms of fisheries activity.
These are:
- Minor Carp Fisheries Farming Scheme
- Catfish and Other Fish Fisheries Farming Scheme
- Shrimp Farming Scheme
- Pearl Farming Scheme
Applications for the scheme will be accepted online.
A person or family can receive subsidy for only one component of the fisheries farming activities covered under the scheme. For an individual or family, the eligible water area for one component can range from a minimum of 0.25 acre to a maximum of 1 acre, equivalent to two units.
Farming Can Be Taken Up in Private or Government Ponds
Under the scheme, the fisheries farming component can be implemented in private ponds or government ponds held on lease by the applicant.
The scheme has been developed to promote the farming of native species, particularly minor carp and catfish, using seed produced through developed hatchery technology.
Bihar Produced 10.28 Lakh Metric Tonnes of Fish in 2025-26
The state government has also highlighted Bihar’s fish production and movement of fish outside the state.
During 2025-26, Bihar recorded fish production of 10.28 lakh metric tonnes. Of this, 89.62 thousand metric tonnes of fish was sent outside the state, including to Nepal and other major areas.
The state government has set a target of increasing annual fish production to 15 lakh metric tonnes over the next five years.
