To Increase Fish Seed Production and Inland Fisheries Resources in Tribal Areas: Fish Seed Stocking

To Increase Fish Seed Production and Inland Fisheries Resources in Tribal Areas: Fish Seed Stocking is a Gujarat government scheme that covers the full cost of fish seed and its transport for Scheduled Tribe fish farmers. The scheme is a component of the umbrella fisheries programme launched by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat, and applications are accepted online at the I-Khedut portal.

Under this scheme, eligible ST beneficiaries receive 100% financial support for stocking fish seed in reservoirs, ponds and rivers. This lowers the upfront money needed to start fish farming, supports inland fish production and creates local jobs in tribal areas. The benefit can be claimed once a year, with a minimum gap of 1 year between two claims.

To Increase Fish Seed Production and Inland Fisheries Resources in Tribal Areas: Fish Seed Stocking - Introduction

The main aim of the scheme is to increase fish production by rearing fish in reservoirs and to give employment to people involved in inland fisheries. It also encourages fish farming and fishing in ponds, reservoirs and rivers, which raises the total fish output and strengthens the inland fisheries sector in Gujarat. The scheme focuses on Scheduled Tribe fishermen, giving them a steady way to earn from water bodies that were earlier underused.

For example, if a tribal fisherman spends ₹5,000 on good quality fish seed and its transport, the scheme pays back the entire ₹5,000. This support removes the biggest startup cost, so more families can take up fish stocking in reservoirs without worrying about heavy spending.

Scheme Highlights

Benefits

Beneficiaries get 100% financial support for the purchase of fish seed and the transportation charges. This cuts the initial investment needed and lets tribal fish farmers scale up their work.

You can claim this benefit again after a minimum wait period of 1 year from your last claim. There is no mention of a lifetime limit on claims, but the 1-year gap between two claims must be followed.

Eligibility

Check these points before applying to make sure the application goes through smoothly:

1. You should be an individual, part of a registered society, self-help group, association, or a reservoir monopoly or private unit engaged in inland fisheries.
2. You must belong to a Scheduled Tribe community and hold a valid ST certificate.
3. You should be at least 18 years old.
4. You must have a personal bank account in your own name.
5. You should carry a valid government ID such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card, or Passport.

Application Process

Applications are accepted online through the I-Khedut portal of Gujarat. First time users need to register as a beneficiary, then log in and fill the scheme application form.

STEP 1 - Visit the official I-Khedut Portal and click on 'Login' at the top right. Choose 'Beneficiary Registration' and pick your category from 'Farmer', 'Institutional', or 'Except for the Farmer'.

STEP 2 - Enter your personal or organisational details, select the District, Taluka and Village, give your bank account information, solve the captcha, and click 'Save and Next'.

STEP 3 - Enter your mobile number and email address, click 'Send OTP', then enter the OTP received on your mobile. Create a strong password, solve the captcha, and click 'Submit' to finish the registration.

STEP 4 - Log in with the registered credentials, go to the 'Schemes' section and click on 'Agricultural Schemes'. Select this scheme and click the 'Apply' button.

STEP 5 - Fill the application form, upload the required documents and click 'Apply New' to submit. Use the 'Update Application' button to make corrections before final confirmation, then confirm and take a printout of the application for your records.

For help, the contact details are available on the I-Khedut contact page.

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready before starting the online application:

• Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card, or Passport as identity proof
• Scheduled Tribe Certificate to confirm category eligibility
• Bank account passbook or statement details for the direct payment
• Any other document asked by the portal during submission

References

Go through the official scheme page and apply directly on the I-Khedut portal:

• View Official Scheme Details on Agriculture Department Website
• Visit I-Khedut Online Application Portal

Read related Gujarat tribal fisheries schemes: Fish Cage Culture and Fish Seed Rearing by Women.

FAQ's

Who can apply under the scheme?

Individuals, societies, self-help groups, associations, reservoir monopolies and private units involved in inland fisheries can apply for this benefit.

Is this benefit available to all citizens?

No, the support is specifically for beneficiaries belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category.

What is the minimum age to apply?

You must be at least 18 years old to take part in the scheme.

Does the scheme cover transportation costs for fish seed?

Yes, 100% support is given for both the purchase cost of fish seed and the transport charges.

Is a bank account mandatory?

Yes, you must hold a bank account in your own name to receive the money.

What identity proof is needed?

Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card, or Passport works as acceptable proof of identity.

Is a caste certificate required?

Yes, a valid Scheduled Tribe Certificate is required to confirm eligibility.

How often can I claim this benefit?

The benefit can be claimed again after a minimum gap of 1 year from the previous claim.

Where do I submit my application?

All applications are submitted online through the I-Khedut Portal.