Government Scheme Helps Jammu Farmer Earn Lakhs Through Fish Farming

Basant Kumar Develops Fish Pond on Three Kanal Land, Inspires Youth to Embrace Self-Employment

Jammu: Government support is opening new avenues of income for farmers in Jammu and Kashmir. Basant Kumar, a farmer from Khawaska village in the Satwari block of Jammu, has emerged as an example of how fish farming alongside traditional agriculture can create new livelihood opportunities. Through his initiative, he is also encouraging other young people to adopt fish farming as a means of self-employment.

Financial Assistance Under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana

Basant Kumar started fish farming during 2022–23. In 2022, he constructed a fish farming pond under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a government initiative aimed at promoting fisheries and improving the livelihoods of people associated with the sector.

The initiative enabled him to diversify his agricultural activities and establish an additional source of income.

Fish Pond Developed on Three Kanal of Land

Basant Kumar said he had developed a fish pond on three kanal of his land to undertake fish farming.

According to the information provided, the Fisheries Department offers financial assistance of ₹1,85,000 for pond construction, disbursed in two instalments, with a 50 per cent subsidy provision.

Such financial assistance can help reduce the initial investment burden on farmers and encourage them to explore fisheries as an alternative livelihood.

Inspiring Youth to Become Self-Reliant

Basant Kumar’s initiative highlights the potential of combining traditional farming with allied activities such as fish farming to create additional employment opportunities in rural areas.

His efforts are encouraging young people to explore self-employment rather than depend solely on conventional sources of livelihood.

With proper planning, technical guidance and awareness of government schemes, farmers can make productive use of their available land and resources. Basant Kumar’s journey serves as an encouraging example of rural entrepreneurship and agricultural diversification in Jammu and Kashmir.