PM fish rearing scheme attracts many in Katihar

KATIHAR: Many people in the district are taking financial assistance under the Prime Minister Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for constructing ponds to rear fish of different sizes. The Centre and the state government provide financial assistance to the beneficiaries in the 60:40 ratio.
Katihar district fisheries officer (DFO) Shambhu Prasad Nayak said fish farming in the district generates revenue to the tune of Rs1.41 crore annually.“Fishermen cooperative societies have been functional in 16 blocks of the district,” he said and added: “Under the Jal Jeevan Hariyali Mission, a pond is constructed on 10 hectares of land.”
Indian major carp, which is also known as indigenous fish species rohu, katla and mirgal, are reared in a pond.
The district has around 877 government-controlled waterbodies. Makhana (gorgon nuts) farming as well as fish rearing is done on 250 jalkars, officials said.