How Are Two PMMSY Beneficiaries Achieving Remarkable Success in Bhagalpur?

Bhagalpur, Sep 19 (NationPress) In Bihar's Bhagalpur, two beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) are crafting extraordinary success narratives, emerging from modest origins to become local business owners in the fisheries domain. By initiating mini fish feed mills, they are not only attaining self-sufficiency but also contributing to regional economic advancement.

These entrepreneurs are producing superior fish feed at competitive prices, catering to both local markets and out-of-state fisheries. Their businesses, supported by financial aid from the PMMSY, are revitalizing fish farming in the area.

One such inspiring tale is that of Abhinav Kumar Anand, who operates a fish feed manufacturing facility with an 8-tonne capacity at the BIADA Industrial Area in Bhagalpur.

"Since availing myself of the benefits from the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, my annual revenue has escalated to between Rs 7 crore and Rs 8 crore," Anand shared with IANS.

His facility produces vegetarian fish feed, including floating and swimming feed. Anand credits his success to the assistance received from District Fisheries Officer Krishna Kanhaiya and UCO Bank. He was initially provided Rs 40 lakh under the scheme and later received a loan of Rs 49 lakh, complemented by a 40 percent government subsidy.

Today, Abhinav’s fish feed mill employs 37 workers, both skilled and unskilled, including seven women, and comprises six dedicated marketing teams. He distributes feed across various districts in Bihar and Jharkhand. His monthly revenue, previously Rs 20 lakh, has soared to Rs 76 lakh, with production increasing by 1.5 times.

He attributes this significant change to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating: "After Swami Vivekananda, it is the Prime Minister who is illuminating the path to realizing India’s aspirations."

Anand encourages others to leverage central and state government schemes, asserting that his achievements serve as a testament to the benefits reaching grassroots levels.

Shamsher Singh is a fish farmer from Adalpur village in Sanhaula block of Bhagalpur. His feed mill, which utilizes dried fish powder blended with linseed cake, has a production capacity of 2 tonnes.

"Previously, my earnings were around Rs 5 lakh. After receiving help from the PMMSY, it has risen to Rs 20 lakh," he stated.

Singh acknowledged that the demand for his fish feed now significantly surpasses supply, with his mill currently able to cater to only 20 to 25 fish farmers. Nevertheless, the transformation is unmistakable.

"The PMMSY has revolutionized my life," he expressed.

The PMMSY was initiated by the Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, to foster ecologically sustainable, economically viable, and socially inclusive growth of India's fisheries sector.

The PMMSY aims to instigate the Blue Revolution through responsible and sustainable development of the fisheries sector in India, backed by a total investment of Rs 20,050 crore for holistic development, including the welfare of fishers. The PMMSY is being implemented across all states and Union Territories for a duration of five years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.