Transforming Mines into Fish Farms: A Revolutionary Leap in India's Fisheries Sector

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is revolutionizing India's fisheries by converting closed mines into fish farms, fostering rural employment, women's empowerment, and economic growth. The initiative, utilizing cage culture technology, rapidly increases fish production, particularly benefiting local communities in Chhattisgarh.

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is taking significant strides in reinforcing India's blue economy while dramatically transforming the nation's fisheries industry. A noteworthy example is unfolding in Chhattisgarh, where abandoned stone quarries have been repurposed into fish farms using cage culture technology, significantly boosting the production of fish such as Pangasius and Tilapia.

This innovative venture has opened up fresh opportunities for rural employment, empowered women, and promoted self-reliance. In Rajnandgaon district, closed mines have become bustling hubs of employment and fish production, as fish are raised in these mines under the scheme. Besides creating jobs for rural women and youth, the project ensures a steady supply of fresh fish nationwide.

In the Joratarai mines, a total of 324 cages have been installed at an investment of Rs 9 crore 72 lakh. Fast-growing fish within these cages mature and are market-ready in just five months, with each cage producing about 2.5 to 3 tonnes of fish. This drive has employed over 150 people, with women earning a monthly income of Rs 6,000 to 8,000. The scheme provides fish farmers up to a 60 percent subsidy, empowering local youth and women. The cage culture method offers a healthy, infection-reducing environment, enhancing production efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Mines-turned-fish farms supply both local and national markets, bolstering rural economies and providing fresh fish. Women self-help groups using modern technology have been pivotal to this project's success, making a significant impact nationwide through innovative water resource utilization and economic growth in rural areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)