Una, September 24 - Fish farming is no longer just a subsidiary source of income, but it has established itself as a major economic activity, which can become a means of sustainable livelihood and prosperity. Keeping in mind the future prospects in this, the Himachal Pradesh government has launched the Chief Minister Carp Matsya Palan Yojana with the aim of empowering the rural economy and creating new self-employment opportunities for unemployed youth. This scheme will not only encourage fish farming in the state, but will also provide a new base to the rural economy, which will improve the economic condition of the farmers.
This scheme, being implemented by the state's fisheries department, provides 80 per cent subsidy on unit cost for construction of carp fish farming ponds to farmers.
It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu had announced this scheme in his budget speech. Its main objective is to promote the fish farming capacity of the state and provide new self-employment opportunities for the youth. Under the scheme, farmers and unemployed youth will get an opportunity to strengthen their economy in the field of fish farming.

Implementation is being done in 8 districts
In the initial phase, the scheme has been implemented in 8 warm water districts of Himachal Pradesh, which include Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Chamba, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur. Director and Prashikshak (Fisheries) of Fisheries Department, Vivek Chandel said that this scheme will prove effective in enhancing the fish farming capacity of the state and providing a new source of income to the people associated with agriculture. Under this scheme, a cost of Rs 12.40 lakh per hectare has been fixed for fish farming. This includes Rs 8.40 lakh for pond construction and Rs 4 lakh as input cost in the first year. There is a provision of 80 percent subsidy on the total unit cost.
The minimum admissible unit of fish ponds will be 0.05 hectare per beneficiary and the maximum admissible unit area will be one hectare per beneficiary.

Golden opportunity for unemployed youth
The Mukhyamantri Carp Matsya Palan Yojana is especially attractive for unemployed youth who are looking for self-employment. Vivek Sharma, Deputy Director of Fisheries Department, Una district, said that efforts are being made to connect more and more farmers and youth with this scheme. Applications will be taken on first come first serve basis and priority will be given to unemployed youth. To join the scheme, applicants have to contact the officials of the District Fisheries Department and submit the necessary documents, such as land ownership or registered document of land taken on lease for 10 years. It is mandatory for the applicants to have a bank account and mobile number linked to Aadhaar.

Long term benefits of the project
Under the scheme, units ranging from 0.05 hectare to 1 hectare will be acceptable to each beneficiary for fish farming. The subsidy for pond construction will be released in two installments. The first installment will be given on completion of 50 percent of the work and the second installment on completion of 100 percent of the work. Apart from this, the subsidy for the first year's input cost will also be released to the beneficiary after providing all the necessary inputs for the first year of fish farming.
The beneficiaries will have to maintain the pond and continue fish farming for at least seven years after the completion of the project. An agreement will also be signed with the fisheries department, in which compliance with the terms and conditions of the project will be mandatory.

New dimensions of rural economy
This scheme will help in giving new dimensions to the rural economy of the state. For farmers who depend on traditional agriculture, fish farming will not only become an alternative source of income, but will also give them an opportunity to expand their business with modern techniques and a more scientific approach. Providing 80 percent subsidy in the cost associated with the construction of one hectare pond is a big incentive from the government, which will encourage farmers to try their potential in this field.
Under the scheme, with the help of government incentives and technical assistance, the beneficiaries will not only be able to make it a source of their livelihood but can also contribute in making Himachal Pradesh a leading state in the field of fisheries in the future.

What the Deputy Commissioner says
Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal says that Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has emphasized on strengthening traditional farming as well as providing such options that can provide long-term economic stability to the villagers and means of self-employment to the youth. He said, 'We are working closely with the Fisheries Department to extend the benefits of this scheme to as many people as possible in the district. This scheme is a golden opportunity for farmers, youth and those interested in fish farming.