Fish Farming Gaining Popularity in UP

The 'Blue Revolution,' initiated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to increase fish production, has started bringing positive results. During the fiscal year 2019-20, the state produced around 6.9 lakh metric tonnes of fish.

According to a government spokeswoman, UP was named the best northern state last year for the successful operation of fish farming projects and fish output in the state.

The Barabanki district's fish Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) was established throughout the country, providing a consistent and controlled habitat for the fish, enabling for optimal and totally managed production of African catfish, Tilapia, and other fish species.

The spokesperson Said, “The youth of the state is showing keen interest in this scheme and have registered their names to be part of ‘Blue Revolution’. This will not only create employment opportunities but will also result in better resource management, greater work opportunities, and reduced waste, as young people are more inclined to adopt new technologies and techniques”.

The Yogi Adityanath government has boosted fish production as part of the 'Blue Revolution,' taking into account the sector's potential as well as the healthy properties of the fish. The government is also protecting the fishing community involved in this sector.

To encourage the development of inland fisheries, the government would also put on lease the gram panchayats' ponds for ten years (with an area of roughly 3000 hectares).

For fish seed production and distribution, a budgetary provision of Rs.300 crore is recommended.

“There is a lot of potential for livelihood in fish production. If it is diversified, its chances increase”, Veterinary expert, Vidyasagar Srivastava said that if duck rearing is done with fishery, there will be a double benefit”, says Sanjay Srivastava, who has won multiple state prizes in fish production.

Srivastava explained the advantages by stating that mosquito larvae are natural food for ducks. These ducks eat mosquito larvae that are abundant in ponds or rice fields, benefiting lowland areas where mosquito-borne diseases are more prevalent.