The Rearing Pond Construction Scheme by the Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperation (Fisheries Division), Government of Jharkhand supports private-sector fish farming through the construction of rearing ponds. The scheme offers financial assistance to beneficiaries for building ponds with a minimum water area of one acre, enabling sustainable fish production.
Benefits
• Financial Assistance:
– SC/ST Beneficiaries: Up to 80% of the total cost, capped at ₹4,00,000
– Other Categories: Up to 70% of the total cost, capped at ₹3,50,000
• Pond Construction Support: Assistance for constructing one-acre ponds using modern machinery
• Mode of Disbursement: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to beneficiaries’ bank accounts
• Installment Details:
– First Installment: ₹1,00,000 after 1–2 feet of excavation
– Second Installment: ₹2,00,000 after 3 feet of excavation
– Remaining Funds: Disbursed after full excavation and dressing verification
Eligibility
• Applicant must be a fisherman
• Proposed land should be near the applicant’s residence, consisting of one, two, or three plots of “don” land
• Applicant should be engaged in fish farming or have constructed a fish seed hatchery with a departmental subsidy
• Land proposed for pond construction must be undisputed; at least 130 decimals of land are required for a 100 decimal water area (with a water-to-land ratio of at least 1:1.3 for larger ponds)
• Proposed land must not be mortgaged
• Applicant must have valid possession of the proposed land and provide necessary documentation
• Applicant should be financially capable of contributing their share of the pond construction costs
Application Process
Offline
• Notification & Advertisement:
– Applications are invited through newspaper advertisements and via a single-window system
• Application Submission:
– Submit proposals along with necessary land documents and proof of fish farming experience to District Fisheries Officers
• Selection Process:
– District councils shortlist candidates based on eligibility and land verification
• Approval & Funding:
– Selected beneficiaries sign an agreement with the department, after which funds are transferred in installments
• Construction & Monitoring:
– Ponds are constructed under technical supervision, with geo-tagging and periodic inspections
Documents Required
• Land Ownership Certificate or Lease Agreement
• No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for land use
• Bank Account Details
• Caste Certificate (for SC/ST applicants)
• Aadhaar Card
• Proof of Past Fish Farming Activities (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the financial assistance provided under this scheme?
A: SC/ST beneficiaries receive up to 80% (maximum ₹4,00,000), while other categories receive up to 70% (maximum ₹3,50,000).
Q: What is the size requirement for pond construction?
A: The rearing pond must have a minimum water area of one acre, with land requirements as specified.
Q: How are the funds disbursed?
A: Funds are transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in installments based on excavation and verification milestones.
Q: Is prior experience in fish farming mandatory?
A: Yes, the applicant should be engaged in fish farming or have constructed a fish seed hatchery with a departmental subsidy.
Q: Can I apply if I do not own land but have leased land?
A: The land must be in valid possession; acceptable documents include lease agreements, provided they meet the scheme’s requirements.
Q: What happens if the pond is not constructed within the stipulated time?
A: Timely construction is essential; delays may affect fund disbursement and eligibility for further installments.
Q: Where can I apply for the scheme?
A: Applications are submitted to the District Fisheries Officers through the designated offline process.
Q: What documents are required for application?
A: Required documents include land ownership or lease proof, NOC for land use, bank account details, caste certificate (if applicable), Aadhaar card, and proof of fish farming activities.
Q: How can I check the status of my application?
A: The status can be monitored through the local District Council or Fisheries Office overseeing the scheme.
Q: Can I construct a pond larger than one acre?
A: Yes, but the financial assistance is specifically structured for ponds with a minimum water area of one acre; larger ponds must adhere to the specified water-to-land ratio.
Q: What technical support is provided under the scheme?
A: Construction is carried out under technical supervision with geo-tagging and periodic inspections to ensure compliance with standards.