In a major initiative to economically empower fishers in Bihar, the state government has launched the ‘Boat and Net Package Distribution Scheme’ for the financial year 2025-26. The scheme, implemented by the Department of Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources, aims to strengthen the livelihoods of fishers by providing government grants of up to 90 per cent of the prescribed unit cost for the purchase of boats and nets.
Eligible applicants, including members of state fisheries cooperative societies and traditional fishers, can apply online on the department’s official website (https://fisheries.bihar.gov.in) by December 31. Priority will be given to female fishers and beneficiaries from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.
Applicants must provide details such as mobile number, bank branch name, bank account number, IFSC code, Aadhaar card, and proof related to fishing. Applications will only be considered valid if all documents are correct and complete. Under the scheme, one individual or one family can avail the benefit of only one component, which includes:
-Fishing wooden boat package: Unit cost Rs 1,24,400
-Fishing FRP boat package: Unit cost Rs 1,54,400
-Cast net package: Unit cost Rs 16,700
The government will provide a grant of up to 90 per cent on these packages. Beneficiaries will be selected by a committee chaired by the Deputy Director of Fisheries of the respective district. The selection process will be transparent and in accordance with the rules.
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The scheme covers fishers across all districts of Bihar and is expected to increase the working efficiency and income of fishers, while also boosting fish production in the state. Interested fishers can contact their respective district fisheries offices for more information.
Officials said the initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to provide financial support to weaker sections of society, helping them become self-reliant and strengthening the state’s fishing community.