The “Input Assistance to Farmers for Taking up Fish Farming in Farm Ponds” component under the Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana was launched by the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department, Government of Odisha. It supports inland fish production and farmer income through aquaculture. Input assistance is extended to farmers who have excavated farm ponds under MGNREGA or other government schemes. The scheme is executed by the Directorate of Fisheries through field officers across Odisha.
Objectives
• Boost inland fish production in Odisha
• Enhance farmer incomes through pisciculture
• Utilize existing farm ponds for sustainable aquaculture
• Promote skill development through training
Benefits
• One-day training and awareness programs conducted by District Fisheries Officers
• Input assistance provided for three models of farm ponds based on size
Model 1 – 20m x 20m Pond
• Unit Cost: ₹16,000 (Seed: 2400 | Feed: 10800 | Other Inputs: 2800)
• Subsidy: ₹6,400 (General – 40%) | ₹9,600 (SC/ST/Women/Transgender/PwD – 60%)
Model 2 – 15m x 15m Pond
• Unit Cost: ₹9,000 (Seed: 1350 | Feed: 6075 | Other Inputs: 1575)
• Subsidy: ₹3,600 (General – 40%) | ₹5,400 (SC/ST/Women/Transgender/PwD – 60%)
Model 3 – 10m x 10m Pond
• Unit Cost: ₹4,000 (Seed: 600 | Feed: 2700 | Other Inputs: 700)
• Subsidy: ₹1,600 (General – 40%) | ₹2,400 (SC/ST/Women/Transgender/PwD – 60%)
Note:
• Other Inputs include fertilizers, lime, pro/pre/grow biotics, vitamins, medicines, disinfectants, etc.
• Assistance limited to 0.5 acres of water spread area per beneficiary.
• Farmers can stock additional seeds at their own discretion.
Eligibility
• Must be a resident of Odisha
• Must have a bank account in the applicant’s name
• Farm pond should have been excavated by the applicant under government schemes (MGNREGA, Watershed, etc.)
• Minimum 5 feet water depth and capacity to retain water for at least 5 months
• Subsidy per family only once in 2 years
• No multiple benefits for the same family under this scheme
Exclusions
• Applicant family cannot receive duplicate benefits under the same scheme
• Repeat subsidy not allowed if availed in the last two years
Application Process
Offline:
• Step 1: Download/Print the prescribed application form
• Step 2: Fill all required fields, attach photograph, and self-attest documents
• Step 3: Submit the application at the Block Level Office
• Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgement with date and application ID
Documents Required
• Aadhaar Card (photocopy)
• Identity & Residential Proof (Aadhaar)
• Mobile Number (Aadhaar-linked)
• First page of Bank Passbook (photocopy)
• Land Ownership Document
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Transgender Certificate from District Magistrate (as per Transgender Act, 2019)
• Disability Certificate for PwD (as per RPwD Act, 2016)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does the scheme identify suitable farm ponds for pisciculture?
The AFO identifies eligible ponds and prepares a list in coordination with block and district officials.
Q: What is the AFO’s role in mobilizing and initiating applications?
AFOs are responsible for mobilizing eligible farmers and facilitating application submission for subsidized fish seed.
Q: What makes a farm pond eligible for assistance?
It must have a minimum depth of 5 feet and retain water for at least 5 months.
Q: What happens after applications are finalized by the AFO?
The District Fisheries Officer (DFO) verifies and finalizes the list of beneficiaries.
Q: How are fingerlings procured by the beneficiaries?
Beneficiaries must follow procurement guidelines set by the DFO, often from approved hatcheries or suppliers.
Q: Can district officials revise or reallocate targets?
Yes, districts can enhance their targets and reallocate block targets based on performance.
Q: Is there credit linkage for the beneficiaries?
Yes, AFOs and DFOs facilitate linkages with financial institutions for additional credit support.
Q: What is the DFO’s role in maintaining data?
DFOs maintain a complete database of beneficiaries and upload it to the official system.
Q: What does the training program include?
Training covers fish pond management, feed usage, disease control, input utilization, and marketing practices.
Q: Who is responsible for scrutinizing applications and conducting feasibility reports?
The AFO prepares the field feasibility report and submits it for DFO’s approval.
Q: When is the Go-Ahead issued?
After verifying documents and feasibility, the Go-Ahead letter is issued by the DFO.
Q: Who conducts the field inspection after fingerling stocking?
AFOs or designated officers conduct post-stocking inspections as per the scheme guidelines.