Fisheries fueling rural women’s empowerment in UP under double-engine govt

Lucknow : Under the leadership of the double-engine government (Modi-Yogi), fisheries are emerging as a powerful tool for women’s self-reliance in rural Uttar Pradesh. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has opened new avenues of self-employment, particularly for women, enabling them to transform their lives and contribute to the rural economy.

A shining example is Piyushikha Yadav from Nagla Himmat village in Firozabad district. Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021–22, she saw opportunity in adversity. On 1.909 hectares of her private land, she constructed a fish pond at a cost of Rs 20.99 lakh, receiving Rs 12.59 lakh as a government grant under PMMSY.

With determination and government support, Piyushikha adopted scientific fish farming practices. She moved beyond traditional methods, using aerators for water quality, artificial protein-rich feed, biomass sampling, and multi-stocking techniques. She cultivates advanced fish species, producing 12 tonnes of Major Carp, 10 tonnes of Pangasius, and 5 tonnes of Sal fish annually. In addition, she sells nearly 20 lakh fish seeds, earning an impressive ₹25–30 lakh per year.

Encouraged by her success, she now plans to install four biofloc tanks and expand seed supply to farmers in other districts and states. Her mission goes beyond personal growth. She aims to generate local employment and train rural women and youth in scientific fisheries, marketing, and distribution. Piyushikha actively connects others with departmental training, financial assistance, and technical guidance, supported by the state government.

Recognized for her achievements, she has also been awarded by the Government of India. Her journey reflects the ground-level impact and success of government schemes like PMMSY. It is a testimony to the state government’s commitment to inclusive development and the empowerment of every section of society.

Through stories like Piyushikha’s, it becomes evident that with the right support, rural women are not just becoming self-reliant, but also contributing significantly to Uttar Pradesh’s economic development.