Gurdaspur 28 July 2025: As part of the Punjab Government’s efforts to increase farmers’ income by promoting allied occupations, fish farmers in the state have received significant support. Over the past five years, fish farmers in Punjab have seen their income increase by approximately ₹500 crore. This has not only demonstrated the success of the government’s “Blue Revolution” campaign but has also encouraged many other farmers to take interest in fish farming.
It is notable that under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Punjab Government is providing subsidies to farmers engaged in fish farming. These subsidies are encouraging more farmers to enter the business. While some farmers in Punjab had previously engaged in fish farming, they eventually abandoned it due to various losses. However, thanks to renewed support and subsidies from the government, fish farming is once again becoming a profitable venture. As a result, many farmers are now showing interest in fish farming alongside traditional agriculture.
What is the scheme and its benefits?
The PMMSY scheme was launched in 2020. Farmers interested in fish farming are provided with 40–60% subsidies on various essential items such as equipment, vehicles, infrastructure, and fish feed. Over the past five years, fish production in the state has increased by 35,000 tonnes, valued at around ₹500 crore. Currently, Punjab produces over 2 lakh tonnes of fish annually, estimated to be worth approximately ₹3,000 crore.
In 2020-21, fish farming was carried out over 41,093 acres in Punjab, which increased to 43,683 acres by 2024-25, marking an increase of 2,590 acres in five years. Numerous farmers, from small-scale to large-scale, are now actively engaged in fish production.
A good source of income for farmers
Fish farming has proven to be a profitable income source for farmers. Often, farmers utilize non-cultivable land for this purpose, making use of otherwise idle land. Farmers who raise fish in natural water bodies or ponds earn ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakh per hectare. Additionally, the type of fish plays a significant role in income variation. For example:
- Carp species usually sell for ₹130 to ₹150 per kg
- Catfish, being boneless, can sell for ₹600 to ₹700 per kg
Currently, farmer interest in catfish is relatively low in Punjab. Moreover, Punjab’s average fish yield is 8 tonnes per hectare, while the national average is only 3 tonnes per hectare, highlighting Punjab’s higher efficiency.
Production to increase further in coming years
To further boost fish farming, the Punjab Government is planning new initiatives with a dedicated budget of ₹833.34 lakh. The state’s Fisheries Department provides fish seed (baby fish) at subsidized rates to farmers each year.
The government has also identified 1,100 ponds across various villages, currently under panchayat control, that are suitable for fish farming. To promote this occupation, many other related plans are also in the works, which could significantly expand and strengthen the fish farming industry in Punjab in the coming years.
Summary :
Punjab’s Blue Revolution expanded aquaculture from ~41,000 to ~43,900 acres in five years, adding ₹500 crore to farmers’ income through subsidies and modern infrastructure.