Bihar's Ambitious Wetland Development Scheme Receives National Spotlight in Economic Survey
The Economic Survey of India report, tabled in Parliament on Thursday, has brought significant attention to Bihar's innovative Mukhyamantri Samekit Chaur Vikas Yojana. This comprehensive scheme forms a crucial component of the state's fourth agriculture road map spanning from 2023 to 2028, with the primary objective of transforming chaur (wetland) lands into productive aquaculture zones for fish-based production.
Extensive Wetland Development Across Multiple Districts
According to the latest data, more than 1,933 hectares of chaur land across 22 districts have already been successfully brought under aquaculture operations in Bihar. Dilip Kumar Singh, the Director in charge of fisheries in Bihar, provided detailed insights into the scheme's scope and implementation.
"The state government has identified approximately 9.41 lakh hectares of wetland, particularly in north Bihar districts situated along the banks of major rivers including the Ganga, Gandak, and Bagmati," Singh explained. "Additionally, the water resources department has pinpointed 2.5 lakh hectares of premium water resources that are exceptionally suitable for fisheries development."
Comprehensive Targets and Subsidy Structure
The Fourth Agriculture Road Map (2023-28) has established ambitious targets for developing private wetlands specifically for fish production. The roadmap aims to develop approximately 62,000 acres (25,000 hectares) by 2028, with significant progress already achieved.
"To date, we have successfully developed 5,000 acres of private wetland converted into productive ponds," Singh stated. "The government provides substantial financial support through a tiered subsidy system - 50% subsidy for general and other category farmers, and up to 70% subsidy for SC/ST/EBC communities to develop these aquaculture ponds."
The primary objective of this innovative scheme is to promote sustainable fish farming by constructing ponds on previously barren or low-lying land that had limited agricultural value.
Entrepreneur Engagement and Implementation Models
According to the agriculture road map, private low-lying land (chaurs) is being strategically utilized for integrated aquaculture alongside traditional fish farming practices. For entrepreneur-based chaur development projects, the subsidy structure is carefully calibrated.
- Subsidy limited to 40% or a maximum of Rs 5 crore
- Entrepreneur-based subsidy provided for a minimum of 0.1 hectares and maximum of 0.5 hectares per family
- Group projects covering more than 20 hectares receive special consideration
Singh elaborated on the operational challenges: "We face significant time constraints, with barely three months available annually to promote these schemes effectively. The wetland areas remain either waterlogged or surrounded by active farmlands during other periods, limiting our implementation window."
Financial Framework and Strategic Implementation
The scheme has received approval for planning and expenditure at a cost of Rs 31 crore for the financial year 2025-26. This initiative is proposed to be implemented in alignment with the resolution under the development of animal husbandry and fisheries resources, as specified in the state government's Saat Nischay-2 (2020–2025) program for self-reliant Bihar.
Specifically, the scheme corresponds with resolve-4 (clean village – prosperous village), which explicitly states that "the development of chaur areas located in the state will be undertaken on a large scale." This initiative has been identified and approved as a priority area within the Fourth Agricultural Road Map, reflecting its strategic importance for Bihar's agricultural transformation.
Singh highlighted the growing interest among local communities: "People are increasingly showing interest in developing their fellow land, with particularly strong application responses from districts like Supaul and Saharsa. We have established an annual target of developing 1,000 hectares of wetland every year to ensure steady progress toward our long-term goals."
The directorate has developed three distinct implementation models to accommodate varying local conditions and requirements. "The government actively invites entrepreneurs to participate, as the development cost averages around Rs 8.70 lakh per unit," Singh added, emphasizing the public-private partnership approach that underpins this transformative agricultural initiative.
