Rearing Pond Construction Scheme provides financial support to fish farmers in Jharkhand for building rearing ponds. The scheme is run by the Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Co-operative, Government of Jharkhand, and it covers a large part of the construction cost for both individuals and groups. This helps farmers raise fish production and build a steady income through a simple application process.
Under this scheme, a farmer can get help to build a rearing pond with a minimum water area of one acre. The support is given for mechanical construction of the pond, and the exact share depends on the category of the applicant. As of August 2026, the scheme is open and farmers can apply through the District Fisheries Officer of their area.
Rearing Pond Construction Scheme
This scheme is meant for people who want to start or grow fish farming in Jharkhand. Rearing ponds are the small tanks where young fish are kept and grown before they move to bigger water bodies. Building such a pond needs money, and this scheme lowers that burden by paying a major share of the cost.
Farmers who already have some experience in fish farming or who have run a fish seed hatchery get priority. The department also checks that the land is suitable and that the applicant holds proper land papers. Once approved, the money is sent directly to the bank account in stages as the construction work moves ahead.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Rearing Pond Construction Scheme |
| Level | State |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Jharkhand |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural and Environment |
| Benefit Type | Cash (DBT payment) |
| Nodal Department | Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Co-operative |
| Official Website | jharkhandfisheries.org |
Benefits
Farmers get a big share of the construction cost as subsidy. The unit cost of a one acre pond is taken as ₹3.00 lakh, and the subsidy share is decided by category. The support is higher for farmers from reserved groups.
| Beneficiary Type | Subsidy Share |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | Up to 90% of the cost |
| Other categories | Up to 80% of the cost |
The money is paid in stages through Direct Benefit Transfer, so the farmer gets it only as the work is checked. The first part is released after the initial digging is done, and the remaining amount follows as the excavation and site dressing are completed and verified by the officials.
Eligibility
To apply under this scheme, a farmer needs to meet a few basic conditions. These are listed below.
- Applicant should be a registered or active fisherman in Jharkhand.
- The proposed land should be near the residence and suitable for pond construction, ideally one to three plots of land.
- Experience in fish farming or a past fish seed hatchery set up with departmental support gives priority.
- The land must be undisputed, free from any mortgage or existing bank loan.
- Valid land possession documents are required, and the applicant must be able to pay their own share of the cost.
Application Process
The application is done offline through the District Fisheries Officer. The steps are simple, and farmers should follow them one by one.
STEP 1 - Keep an eye on newspaper notices and the official single window portal for the latest scheme notification and opening dates.
STEP 2 - Collect all required papers, including the land possession certificate, identity proof and records of fish farming experience.
STEP 3 - Submit the filled application form with these documents to the District Fisheries Officer of your area. The form is available at the officer's office.
STEP 4 - The district council checks the proposal, verifies the land and shortlists candidates based on eligibility.
STEP 5 - Once selected, sign an agreement with the department. After that, funds are released to the bank account in installments as work progresses.
STEP 6 - Build the pond under technical supervision, with geo-tagging and site inspection done by officials.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before applying so that the process goes smoothly.
- Land Ownership Certificate or a valid Lease Agreement
- No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for land use
- Personal bank account details
- Caste Certificate, for SC/ST applicants
- Aadhaar Card and other identity proof
- Proof of past or current fish farming activity
References
Read the official sanction order for rearing tank construction here.
Visit the official Jharkhand Fisheries website for scheme details.
FAQ's
What is the financial support under this scheme?
SC/ST beneficiaries get up to 90% of the construction cost, while other categories get up to 80%. The unit cost of a one acre pond is taken as ₹3.00 lakh.
What is the minimum land size required?
A farmer needs enough land for a one acre water area, and the land should be suitable for pond construction. A proper land possession certificate is required.
How will I receive the funds?
Funds are sent directly to the bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer in installments, based on the progress of the construction work.
Is prior experience in fish farming mandatory?
It is not strictly mandatory, but priority is often given to farmers who already have experience or have set up hatcheries with government support.
Can I apply if I only have leased land?
Yes, you can apply if you submit a valid lease agreement and a formal No-Objection Certificate from the landowner.
What happens if I delay construction?
Missing construction deadlines may lead to cancellation of funding and possible disqualification from future government schemes.
How do I check my application status?
You can check the status at your District Fisheries Office or on the official Jharkhand Fisheries website at jharkhandfisheries.org.
Can I build a pond larger than one acre?
Yes, you can, but the subsidy is capped at the one acre limit and you must cover any extra cost on your own.