No Need for a Big Farm! Earn Lakhs by Fish Farming Even in Small Land

fish farming

Krishi Dunia

• 06 Mar, 2025 11:49 AM IST ,
• Updated Thu, 06 Mar 2025 03:08 PM

A Better Opportunity for Small Farmers in Bihar:

Small and marginal farmers in Bihar, who own limited agricultural land, can now earn a substantial income through fish farming. Even with just 7-8 kattha of land, a farmer can generate up to ₹1 lakh per year. Fish farming is a highly profitable business with low investment and high returns.

Bihar has nearly 80% small and marginal farmers who rely primarily on agriculture for their livelihood. However, in recent years, fish farming has emerged as a significant source of income. Many farmers hesitate to enter this field, thinking they lack sufficient land, but this perception is changing.

With just 7-8 kattha of land, a farmer can easily start fish farming and also cultivate vegetables and fruits alongside, effectively doubling their income without needing any additional work.

Pond Construction and Setup:

Proper pond construction is essential for successful fish farming. If a farmer has 8 kattha of land, it can be divided as follows:

1. 6 kattha for the fish pond
2. 2 kattha for a strong embankment and pathways

The pond should be 40 meters long, 25 meters wide, and 2-3 meters deep. A narrower pond makes it easier to manage fishing nets and harvest fish. To maintain water quality, the pond soil should be properly leveled.

Selecting the Right Fish and Farming Method:

Choosing the right fish species and maintaining the correct ratio is key to higher production and profit. A 40×25 meter pond can accommodate 1,000 indigenous fish in the following proportion:

1. 400 Katla (surface-dwelling fish)
2. 300 Rohu (middle-depth fish)
3. 300 Mrigal (bottom-dwelling fish)

Each fish requires around 1 square meter of space. Providing a balanced diet, including fish feed, oilcake, and micronutrients, is essential to keep them healthy.

Potential Earnings from Fish Farming:

A single season can yield around 400 kg of fish. At market rates of ₹150-200 per kg, a farmer can earn between ₹60,000 to ₹80,000 per season. With proper management, annual earnings can reach ₹1 lakh. Additionally, growing vegetables and fruit trees around the pond can generate extra income.

Low Investment, High Profits:

The initial investment in fish farming is relatively low. Farmers can also avail government subsidies for pond construction.

1. Excavation costs: ₹20,000 to ₹30,000
2. Fish seed & feed costs: ₹15,000 to ₹20,000
3. Total investment: Around ₹50,000

With proper care and management, farmers can double their investment within a year.

Additional Income from Horticulture:

Planting trees and growing vegetables around the pond can further increase earnings:

1. Fruit trees: Banana, papaya, guava, and moringa (drumstick)
2. Vegetables: Cabbage, okra, spinach, tomato, and other leafy greens

This ensures a steady income in addition to fish farming.

Government Schemes and Support:

The Bihar government and the central government offer multiple schemes to promote fish farming:

1. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana provides subsidies and grants for fish farmers.
2. Easy bank loans are available to help farmers start fish farming without financial difficulties.
3. State government subsidies cover 40-50% of pond construction costs.

With proper planning, even small farmers can transform fish farming into a profitable business and secure a stable future.