Fish production is constantly increasing in Madhya Pradesh. Fish is being bred in 98 per cent of total available water space in rural talabs and water bodies that is 3.92 lakh hectares out of 4.01 lakh hectares. This is the reason that fish production in Madhya Pradesh increased to 6787 tonnes in 5 years against 3541 tonne earlier, which is about 98 percent more.
The State Government is also paying attention to fishermen’s economic development. Five years ago, fishermen used to get up to Rs 5.72 crore which has increased to Rs 16.15 crore now. This is 182 per cent increase.
Fishermen’s income has also risen 102 per cent. Per fisherman income was Rs 137 per day five years ago, which is now Rs 277 per fisherman. Similarly, revenue of Fisheries Federation has also increased constantly. It was Rs 6.48 crore per annum 5 years ago, which has increased to Rs 30.23 crore now. During last 5 years, the federation has established a record by earning 366 per cent more revenue. During last fiscal, the federation had registered net profit of Rs 12.87 crore, which is maximum till date.
Against the target of producing 8680 lakh seeds of standard fry fish, the Fisheries Federation produced 9631 lakh tonne, which is 21 per cent more. During current fiscal, a target has been set to produce 9080 lakh seeds of standard fry fish. last year, 96,258 tonne fish was produced against the target of 94,000 tonne. A target to produce one lakh tonne fish has been set for the current year.
Side by side promoting fish breeding, the state government is also implementing several schemes in the interest of fishermen including education and training. Talab patta holder fishermen are being imparted 15-day training in newly developed techniques. last year, 4671 fishermen were trained. This year, 7229 fishermen are being imparted training. Fish breeding extension, fishermen’s credit cards, personal accident insurance and scheme for development of inland fish and aquatics are also being implemented.