Government Schemes Transform Lives: Fish Farming Emerges as a Source of Sustainable Income

Raipur, December 2025 : The state government’s welfare schemes are no longer confined to paper and are now making a visible impact on the ground. In particular, initiatives aimed at promoting fisheries have opened new avenues of self-employment in rural areas. By availing themselves of these schemes, farmers are not only increasing their income but are also moving towards a life of self-reliance. One such inspiring example is farmer Munnalal Goldar from Harigawan village in Balrampur–Ramanujganj district.

A resident of Harigawan village in the Wadrafnagar development block, Munnalal Goldar earlier depended solely on traditional agriculture, which provided only limited income. However, when he availed the benefits of government schemes under the guidance of the Fisheries Department, the direction of his life changed significantly. He took the Harigawan reservoir on lease and began fish farming, adopting intensive aquaculture techniques.

Munnalal started rearing improved fish species such as Rohu, Catla, Mrigal and Common Carp. With better management, regular monitoring and the use of modern techniques, the results have been highly encouraging. Today, he earns a net annual profit of around ₹2 lakh from fish farming. Members of his family also assist him in this work, providing the household with a stable and sustainable source of employment.

Munnalal says that there is always steady demand for fish in the local market, so there are no difficulties in selling the produce. The stable income from fish farming has significantly improved his standard of living. Encouraged by his success, he is now planning to expand his sources of income in the future. He intends to set up a poultry shed near the pond and start poultry farming alongside fish farming.

It is noteworthy that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government is actively promoting fisheries by providing farmers and fishermen with subsidies for pond construction, fish seed, supplementary feed and essential equipment. By availing these schemes, farmers like Munnalal are successfully establishing fish farming as a profitable and sustainable livelihood.