AI SummaryAssistance to Scheduled Castes for Fisheries: Prawn Seed Stocking helps members of the Scheduled Caste community in Gujarat by covering 100% of the cost of prawn seeds and their transportation. The scheme supports SC fish farmers, fishermen and reservoir lessees engaged in inland fisheries, and it is open for applications through the official I-Khedut portal in the state.
Assistance to Scheduled Castes for Fisheries: Prawn Seed Stocking is run by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department of the Government of Gujarat and is implemented by the Commissioner of Fisheries. Under this scheme, eligible SC lessees of reservoirs get the full expense of prawn seed and its transport paid so that they can stock their water bodies without bearing the upfront cost.
Assistance to Scheduled Castes for Fisheries: Prawn Seed Stocking - Introduction
Inland fisheries in Gujarat get a clear push through this scheme, which covers the complete cost of prawn seed and transport for Scheduled Caste reservoir lessees. By removing the upfront cost of stocking reservoirs, the scheme makes it easier for SC fish farmers to take up aquaculture and earn a regular income.
The main aims of the scheme are:
- To increase fish production by rearing fish and prawns in reservoirs across the state.
- To provide steady working opportunities to SC fish farmers and fishermen engaged in inland fisheries.
- To encourage Scheduled Caste people to take part in fishing in reservoirs, aquaculture in ponds and catch from rivers.
- To give SC community members the resources they need to run successful fishing operations.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Assistance to Scheduled Castes for Fisheries: Prawn Seed Stocking |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| State | Gujarat |
| Target Eligible People | Individuals, Societies, Self Help Groups and Private Units belonging to SC |
| Benefit Type | Cash support |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Co-operation Department |
| Implementing Agency | Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Gujarat |
| Application Mode | Online through I-Khedut Portal |
Benefits
Eligible SC reservoir lessees receive 100% financial support to cover the full cost of prawn seeds and the transport charges needed to move them. This removes the main money problem for SC fish farmers who want to stock their reservoirs with prawns.
Minimum Time Limit for Reclaiming Benefits: 1 Year
Because the government pays the whole cost of seed and transport, the beneficiary does not have to spend from his or her own pocket at the start. This makes it easier for SC fishermen to grow their aquaculture work and increase their income from fish production.
Eligibility
To get this support, a person must meet the conditions given below:
- Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
- Must be above 18 years of age.
- Must be involved in inland fisheries activities.
- Can be an individual, society, self-help group, association, reservoir lessee or private unit.
- Must have a personal bank account in the name of the applicant to receive the funds.
- Must carry valid identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card or Passport.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before submitting the application so that the checking process goes smoothly:
- Valid identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Ration Card or Passport).
- Bank account passbook.
- Scheduled Caste Certificate.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the official I-Khedut Portal of Gujarat. First time applicants must finish the registration before applying.
Online Registration
STEP 1 - Visit the official I-Khedut Portal and open the site. STEP 2 - On the homepage, select 'Login' and click on 'Beneficiary Registration'. Choose your beneficiary type, such as 'Farmer', 'Institutional' or 'Except for the Farmer'. STEP 3 - Enter your company or personal details, including address, district, taluka and village. Fill in your bank account information, solve the captcha and click 'Save and Next'. STEP 4 - Enter your mobile number and email, click 'Send OTP', enter the received OTP and then create and confirm a secure password to finish the registration.
Application Submission
STEP 1 - Log in to the I-Khedut Portal using your credentials. STEP 2 - From the homepage, navigate to 'Schemes' and then click on 'Agricultural Schemes'. STEP 3 - Select this scheme and click the 'Apply' button to open the application page. STEP 4 - Click 'Apply New' to submit a fresh application, or use 'Update Application' if you need to correct your details. STEP 5 - Confirm your details once the application is complete and take a printout of the confirmed application for your records.
For any help, you can check the official contact list on the I-Khedut Portal.
References
View Official Guidelines for details of the scheme on the Gujarat Agriculture department website.
FAQ's
Who can get the benefit for prawn seed and its transportation cost?
The benefit is available only to Scheduled Caste (SC) lessees of reservoirs who are involved in inland fisheries.
Is financial help given for both prawn seed and transportation?
Yes, the scheme gives 100% support that covers both the cost of prawn seeds and the transport charges.
How often can one receive the benefit for prawn seed stocking?
This benefit is given once in a year to eligible SC reservoir lessees.
Can someone below 18 years of age apply for this benefit?
No, the applicant must be above 18 years of age to be eligible.
Do I need to have a bank account to apply for this benefit?
Yes, having a bank account in your own name is required to receive the support.
Is there an online platform to apply for the prawn seed benefit?
Yes, the application must be submitted through the official iKhedut portal at https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in.
What is the main objective of giving free prawn seed and transport cost?
The main aim is to increase fish production in local reservoirs while providing stable income to SC fishermen.
Can I apply if I am part of a self-help group involved in fisheries?
Yes, self-help groups engaged in inland fisheries activities are fully eligible to apply.
Will I receive cash for buying the seed or does the department provide the seed directly?
The scheme gives financial support towards the costs; the exact way the payment is made can be confirmed with the department running the scheme.
What is the duration of the assistance for prawn seed stocking?
The support is given once a year for a period of 1 year per cycle.
Is the scheme only for fishermen?
No, the scheme is for all Scheduled Caste individuals involved in inland fisheries, including fish farmers and fishermen.