Revitalising Closed Mines: Here's How PM Matsya Yojana Is Boosting Fish Farming And Empowering Chhattisgarh Villages

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is playing a vital role in strengthening India’s blue economy and transforming the fisheries sector. In Chhattisgarh, disused stone quarries are being converted into fish farming hubs through the use of cage culture technology.

This initiative has significantly increased the production of fast-growing fish such as Pangasius and Tilapia, while creating new opportunities for rural employment, women’s empowerment, and self-reliance, according to a press release issued on Monday (30 December)1.

In the Rajnandgaon district, these closed mines have become centres for fish production and employment. Under PMMSY, Rs 9.72 crore has been invested to install 324 cages across two mines in Joratarai.

The cages are used to raise fast-growing fish, which mature in just five months and yield approximately 2.5 to 3 tonnes of fish per cage. This initiative has generated employment for over 150 people, with women earning monthly incomes of Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000.

“Fish farmers have been given a subsidy of up to 60 per cent under the scheme. Local youth and women are being empowered through this unique initiative. The cage culture technique rears fish in a healthy and safe environment, reducing the risk of infection,” the release stated.

The cage culture method, implemented in Joratarai, reduces time and costs while boosting production. A total of 162 unit cages have been installed in one mine at a cost of Rs 4.86 crore, with beneficiaries receiving subsidies ranging from 40 to 60 per cent.

The fish produced in these mines is supplied to local and national markets, strengthening the rural economy and ensuring the availability of fresh fish.

Women self-help groups have played an essential role in this project, leveraging modern technology to achieve self-reliance through fish farming.

“This unique effort of Chhattisgarh is becoming an example for the whole country. Transforming closed mines into centres of employment and production not only optimises water resources but also promotes economic prosperity in rural areas,” the release added.