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

To Increase Fish Seed Production And Inland Fisheries Resources in Tribal Areas: Prawn Seed Stocking is a Gujarat government scheme under the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department. It gives Scheduled Tribe reservoir lessees 100% financial support for prawn seed and transportation costs, so they can stock reservoirs and earn from inland fishing without bearing the upfront expense.

Fishermen from tribal communities can claim this support once every year. The scheme helps them rear prawns and fish in reservoirs, ponds and rivers, and in the process creates steady income for families involved in inland fisheries.

To Increase Fish Seed Production And Inland Fisheries Resources in Tribal Areas: Prawn Seed Stocking - Overview

The scheme is run by the Commissioner of Fisheries under the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department, Government of Gujarat. It focuses on raising fish and prawn production in freshwater bodies across tribal areas while giving reliable work to Scheduled Tribe fishermen.

The support covers the full cost of prawn seed and every rupee spent on transporting it to the reservoir. This removes the biggest money problem a small fisherman faces before he can even start stocking his water body.

For example, a tribal fisherman who leases a reservoir can use this money help to buy prawn seeds and move them to his site without paying anything from his own pocket. This encourages more families to enter aquaculture and adds to the local economy.

Highlights

Objectives

The main aim of the scheme is to grow fish and prawn output in the state's water bodies. It tries to do this in a few clear ways:

• Increase fish and prawn production by rearing them well in reservoirs.
• Boost inland fishing and aquaculture in many freshwater bodies.
• Provide steady work opportunities for Scheduled Tribe fishermen.
• Build stronger individual and group involvement in sustainable fisheries management.

Benefits

Under this scheme, a Scheduled Tribe beneficiary who is a lessee of a reservoir receives 100% financial assistance. This covers the total cost of prawn seed and all transportation expenses. The support is meant to remove money barriers so the fisherman can focus on successful farming.

Note that the minimum time limit for claiming the benefit again is 1 year from the date the support was last received. So the same person can apply again after this waiting period.

Eligibility

To qualify for this support, a person should meet the following conditions:

• Should be an individual, society, self-help group, association, reservoir monopoly, or private unit involved in inland fisheries activities.
• Must belong to a Scheduled Tribe.
• Should be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a personal, valid bank account to receive the benefit.
• Should have valid identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card, or Passport.

Application Process

Registration and application are done online through the I-Khedut Portal. Follow the steps below to complete the process.

STEP 1 - Visit the official I-Khedut portal and click on 'Login' from the top right corner of the homepage.

STEP 2 - Select 'Beneficiary Registration' and choose your profile type from 'Farmer', 'Institutional', or 'Except for the Farmer'.

STEP 3 - Enter your business or personal details, including district, taluka, and village. Provide your bank account information, solve the captcha, and click 'Save and Next'.

STEP 4 - Enter your mobile number and email, verify them via OTP, set a password, and complete your registration.

STEP 5 - Log in with your credentials and go to 'Schemes' and then 'Agricultural Schemes'.

STEP 6 - Select this scheme from the list and click 'Apply'. Use 'Apply New' to start a fresh application, or 'Update Application' to fix earlier entries.

STEP 7 - Once satisfied, confirm your entry and take a physical printout of the submitted application.

For further help, view the contact details by clicking here.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready while applying:

• Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card, or Passport for identity proof.
• Valid Scheduled Tribe Certificate.
• Complete bank account details.
• Any additional documents required by the department.

References

View Official Guidelines

Access Online Application Portal

FAQ's

Who can apply for the benefit of this scheme?

Individuals, societies, self-help groups, associations, reservoir monopolies, and private units involved in inland fisheries can apply, provided they belong to a Scheduled Tribe.

Is there any age limit to apply for the prawn seed stocking benefit?

Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to be eligible.

Can I apply if I do not belong to a Scheduled Tribe?

No, this component is reserved strictly for Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries.

Is being a lessee of a reservoir necessary to apply?

Yes, you must be a Scheduled Tribe lessee of a reservoir to receive the 100% assistance.

How much financial support is provided?

The scheme covers 100% of the costs related to prawn seeds and their transportation.

What is the minimum time limit to reapply for the benefit?

You can claim the benefit again after 1 year from the date of the last claim.

Where can I apply for the scheme benefit?

Applications are processed online through the I-Khedut portal.

Is registration on the I-Khedut portal mandatory?

Yes, registration is required before you can apply for the scheme.

Do I need to submit proof of Scheduled Tribe status?

Yes, a valid Scheduled Tribe Certificate is required as part of the application process.