Historical Legacy

The Department of Fisheries, Punjab, is one of the oldest fisheries departments in India, tracing its origins to 1912, with Mr. G.G.L. Howell as the first Director and Warden. From conserving natural fish resources in rivers and lakes to pioneering fish seed production, Punjab has led India’s aquaculture journey.

The Punjab Fisheries Act, 1914, was among the first legal frameworks for fish conservation in the country. Over the decades, the department evolved, establishing seed farms, promoting induced breeding, and initiating schemes like Fish Farmers Development Agencies (FFDAs) which laid the foundation for Punjab’s aquaculture revolution.

About Punjab State Fisheries Development Board (PSFDB)

The PSFDB was established to promote and regulate aquaculture in the state. It focuses on:

• Scientific fish farming
• Training and capacity building of fish farmers
• Encouraging public-private partnerships
• Promoting inland saline aquaculture and integrated farming
• Harnessing underutilized and waterlogged lands for aquaculture

Under the leadership of Dr. Madan Mohan, Director & Warden of Fisheries since 2015, the department has introduced reforms and innovations to boost fish culture.

 Recent Developments and Achievements

1. Expansion into Saline & Waterlogged Lands:
   1. Fish farming is being promoted in Muktsar Sahib, Ferozepur, Mansa, Fazilka, and Faridkot, areas heavily affected by salinity.
   1. Aquaculture has proven effective for rehabilitating degraded soils and increasing farmer incomes.
2. Check Dams and Reservoirs:
   1. 13 reservoirs, including Dolbaha, Ranjit Sagar Dam, and Siswan, are now used for aquaculture.
   1. Rights to these water bodies are auctioned, generating over ₹2 crore in annual revenue.
3. Fish Seed Infrastructure:
   1. Punjab operates 14 Government Fish Seed Farms across districts.
   1. Hatcheries established under World Bank and National Seed Programmes boost seed quality and availability.
4. Introduction of Running Water and Cage Culture:
   1. Plans are underway for a Canal Fisheries Division to utilize 14,500+ km of canals for cage culture and enclosure-based fish farming.
5. Environmental Support & Research:
   1. Establishment of mobile water testing labs and soil/water surveillance systems to assist aqua farmers.

 New Incentives & Government Support

• Subsidies for Pond Excavation: 50% subsidy offered to new fish farmers.
• Aerators and Equipment: Farmers receive financial aid for installing aerators and other equipment to improve productivity.
• Training & Capacity Building: Regular training programmes conducted through FFDAs.
• Integrated Farming Promotion: Support for combining aquaculture with dairy, piggery, poultry, and duckery for increased sustainability and income.
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme incentives also provided under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.

 Scope for Aquaculture in Punjab

Opportunities:

• Use of saline soils for brackish water aquaculture.
• Open water cage culture in canals and reservoirs.
• Integration of aquaculture with existing farming systems.
• Rehabilitation of waterlogged lands through fish farming.

Environmental Impact:

• Fish ponds act as drainage and water harvesting systems.
• Helps reduce soil degradation and groundwater depletion.

Challenges Ahead

1. Awareness & Adoption:
   1. Many farmers remain unaware of the benefits of fish farming or hesitate due to traditional practices.
2. Initial Investment & Infrastructure:
   1. Excavation and setup costs can be high despite subsidies.
3. Lack of Cold Chain & Marketing Facilities:
   1. Need for stronger post-harvest infrastructure and direct market access for fish farmers.
4. Limited Skilled Manpower:
   1. Continuous training and technical assistance are required for scaling operations.

 Way Forward

• Establish Dedicated Canal Fisheries Division to harness vast water networks.
• Strengthen Marketing Linkages through co-operatives and online platforms.
• Promote Export-Oriented Aquaculture by adopting international standards.
• Boost Research & Innovation in inland saline water species.
• Encourage Public-Private Partnerships to increase private investment in fisheries infrastructure.

 Success Stories of farmers in Punjab

1. Harpreet Singh – Mane Majra (Ropar)

Once burdened by waterlogged, unproductive land, Harpreet turned to fish farming in 1988. Starting with 5 acres, he now runs 21 acres of profitable aquaculture, supported by the department through technical guidance and quality seed supply. His model has created jobs and inspired others in the region.

2. Jagwinder Singh – Kotla Surmukh Singh (Ropar)

A former conventional farmer, Jagwinder, leased a 5-acre Panchayat pond in 2011. With departmental support and a 50% subsidy, he transitioned to full-time fish farming. He now operates 12 acres of fish ponds, integrates livestock and organic manure, and plans to include piggery, setting a benchmark in integrated aquaculture.