Carp fish farming boosting income of Himachal farmers, production rises 600 MT in a year
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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a significant increase in carp fish production in Himachal Pradesh, benefiting local farmers.
The production has risen from 6,767.11 metric tonnes last year to 7,367.03 metric tonnes this year, with approximately 2,600 people actively engaged in carp farming.
The Chief Minister credited the growth to the state government’s initiatives, including the provision of high-quality fish seeds through seven government-operated carp fish farms.
“In May 2024, the Fisheries Department procured improved Amur carp seeds from the National Freshwater Fish Brood Bank in Bhubaneswar,” he noted.
These seeds are being cultivated at Fish Seed Farms in Nalagarh (Solan) and Gagret (Una), and will be available to farmers from next year.
“The seeds have a 20 per cent higher growth rate compared to traditional species, which will significantly increase farmers’ incomes,” he said.
Collaboration for advanced species
To further enhance carp farming, the state government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in June 2024 with the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar.
Under this agreement, advanced seeds of the Jayanti Rohu and Amrit Katla species have been introduced. Brood stock is being developed at Nalagarh, and farmers will have access to these superior seeds within two years.
“These species grow 20-25% faster and are more resistant to disease than traditional varieties,” the Chief Minister highlighted.
Training, infrastructure development
The government has also focused on training farmers by establishing a state-of-the-art training center at Gagret in Una with an investment of Rs 5 crore.
Additionally, a carp fish brood bank is being set up at Nalagarh Carp Farm to support future growth in the sector.
To promote fish farming, the state provides an 80 per cent subsidy for pond construction. So far, Rs 1.38 crore has been allocated for constructing ponds over 14 hectares for general-category farmers, with an additional Rs 59.52 lakh soon to be disbursed for 6 hectares of ponds for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers.
Under the scheme, farmers can construct ponds ranging from 500 square meters to one hectare, with subsidies of Rs 49,600 for the smallest ponds and up to Rs 9.92 lakh for one-hectare ponds.
Farmers with a one-hectare pond can earn an annual profit of Rs 10.50 lakh, while even the smallest ponds can yield over Rs 50,000 annually.
High market value and future prospects
The main species reared in these ponds — Rohu, Katla, Mrigal, Common Carp and Grass Carp — are in high demand in the market. The government’s continued support is expected to drive further growth in the sector, boosting the livelihoods of Himachal Pradesh’s farmers and fishermen.
“We are committed to making fish farming a thriving industry that not only enhances food production but also uplifts our rural communities,” said CM Sukhu.
