Empowering Chhattisgarh Women through Fish Farming in Repurposed Stone Quarries
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is creating fresh avenues for rural employment, enhancing women's empowerment, and promoting self-sufficiency by transforming abandoned stone quarries in Chhattisgarh into thriving fish farming sites utilizing cage culture technology, a statement revealed on Tuesday.
The closed mines located in Rajnandgaon district have now evolved into hubs for employment and fish production.
Under this initiative, fish are being cultivated in these mines using cage culture technology, as noted.
This program is facilitating the cultivation of fish species such as Pangasius and Tilapia.
This pioneering effort has not only opened up new job prospects for rural women and youth but is also guaranteeing a steady supply of fresh fish throughout the nation, as stated.
The Yojana is significantly contributing to the enhancement of India's blue economy while instigating transformative changes in the fisheries sector, the announcement indicated.
A total of 324 cages have been set up in two mines of Joratarai at an investment of Rs 9.72 crore. Fast-growing fish are being raised in these cages, which are market-ready within five months.
Each cage yields approximately 2.5 to 3 tonnes of fish. This initiative has created job opportunities for over 150 people, with women earning an average income of Rs 8,000 per month.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, fish farmers are eligible for a subsidy of up to 60 percent.
In one mine located in Joratarai, 162 unit cages have been established at a cost of Rs 4.86 crore, with the government providing a subsidy ranging from 40 to 60 percent to beneficiaries.
This unique initiative is empowering local youth and women. Women self-help groups have been instrumental in driving this project.
