16 beneficiaries find success under CM Carp Fish Farming Scheme; two more approved
Munish Sood
MANDI: A silent employment revolution is taking shape in the rural pockets of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh where dozens of young men and women are finding a sustainable livelihood through fish farming.
The Chief Minister Carp Fish Farming Scheme, launched by the Himachal Pradesh government in 2024, has become a lifeline for unemployed youth, helping them turn village ponds into profitable ventures.
According to Assistant Director of Fisheries, Mandi, Neetu Singh, 16 unemployed youths have already achieved success under the scheme during the current financial year 2024-25. “These youths have transformed their livelihoods through carp fish farming, creating not only self-employment but also local job opportunities,” she said.
Encouraged by the results, two more beneficiaries have recently been approved, and both have begun constructing their ponds. Singh added that the department is actively working to motivate more youth to adopt this model, which is proving highly suitable for the district’s terrain and water-rich geography.
“Mandi’s natural resources — its clean water streams, mild climate and suitable land — make it an ideal district for fish farming,” Singh explained. “The idea is to help rural youth earn a dignified livelihood within their own villages instead of migrating elsewhere for jobs.”
Under the Chief Minister Carp Fish Farming Scheme, the estimated cost for developing a one-hectare fish pond is Rs 12.40 lakh, which includes Rs 8.40 lakh for pond construction and Rs 4 lakh for seed and feed inputs. The government provides 80% subsidy to all categories of beneficiaries, reducing the financial burden on aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Fisheries Department is also extending support under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), introduced in 2020-21. Under this central scheme, general category beneficiaries receive a 40% subsidy, while SC, ST and women beneficiaries are eligible for 60% assistance.
Beyond financial support, the department ensures that every beneficiary receives training in modern aquaculture techniques, including disease management, feed formulation, pond maintenance and market linkages. Regular workshops and awareness drives are being conducted to promote fish farming as a reliable income source in rural Himachal.
Singh urged unemployed youth who own land or have leased property for at least seven years to approach the Office of the Assistant Director (Fisheries), Mandi, for guidance and assistance in applying for the scheme.
Officials believe that as more young people take up fish farming, the initiative will not only reduce unemployment but also strengthen the rural economy, promoting the vision of a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh.
