Patna, Sep 25 The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned a Rs 195-crore loan to the Bihar government to develop modern fisheries infrastructure in Siwan district, officials said on Friday.
The loan was sanctioned under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
According to a statement issued by NABARD, “The project will support fish farming units, seed production centres and hatcheries, collection and landing centres, cold storage and cold-chain facilities, processing and packaging units, modern fish markets and improved transportation and marketing infrastructure.”
The initiative aims to boost fish production, strengthen the fisheries value chain and improve the incomes and livelihoods of fish farmers, cooperatives, self-help groups and rural youth, it said.
NABARD Chief General Manager (Bihar), Gautam Kumar Singh, said the assistance would help build a modern, inclusive and sustainable fisheries ecosystem in the district.
The project is expected to generate employment across production, processing, storage, transportation and marketing, while promoting scientific fish farming and greater value addition.
“This is expected to improve product quality, increase value addition, enhance market access, and enable fish farmers to realise better prices for their produce. The project will play a significant role in promoting overall growth of the fisheries sector, generating employment, and enhancing rural incomes in the district,” the statement said.
(PTI News)
