Fresh fish biz scheme finds 60 takers

Noida/Ghaziabad: The fisheries department in both districts have got about 60 applications from people who are interested in conducting fresh fish business. In a few months, four fish vending vehicles are likely to get launched in Ghaziabad and two have been planned for Noida.
The department had floated multiple schemes last month in an attempt to boost the production of carp fish under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Since then, 33 people in Noida and 27 in Ghaziabad have applied for the schemes.
The applicants have shown interest in developing ponds on the outskirts of the cities for fish farming and supplying the catch through vehicles with ice boxes.
“For the first time, we have introduced the concept of live fish vending. Subsidy ranging between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 12 lakh will be offered to entrepreneurs who want to sell fish through modified commercial vehicles. Six people are interested in selling fresh fish in the two districts,” said assistant director of the department, Ajay Kumar Bana.
The vehicles would be designed to hold at least 100kg of fish each in a tank.
A refrigerating unit to control the temperature of the tank would be fitted to the vehicle and there will be provision for oxygen circulation.
After compiling the responses from across the 75 districts in the state, the Lucknow-based headquarters of the fisheries department will hold talks with commercial vehicle manufacturers for the specially-designed vehicles. The officials would also get in touch with manufacturers for developing storage tanks with refrigerating unit.
The total cost per vehicle would be kept under Rs 20 lakh, out of which the department will provide 40%-60% of subsidy (it will vary in case of SC/ST and female applicants), officials said.
While seven of the 60 applicants want to develop private ponds for fish farming in the two districts, four and 14 individuals want to strengthen the supply chain by adding three-wheelers and motorcycles, respectively and the rest are interested in establishing kiosks, an aqua-culture system and producing fish feed. Bana added that at least 18 applicants have no background in the business.
While Ghaziabad has two registered fish markets, Gautam Budh Nagar does not have any. The two districts have to rely on private suppliers and Ghazipur mandi in Delhi is the primary source. The fisheries department promotes breeding and farming of six varieties of fish - three Indian carps (rohu, catla, mrigal) and three exotic carps – common carp, silver carp and grass carp.
“It is difficult to get fresh fish in Noida. Most vendors bring in fish caught a day in advance. Although it is supplied in cold chain, it does not feel the same as buying fresh fish from the market. I think the live fish vans would be extremely popular,” said Moumita Biswas, a resident of Hyde Park in Sector 78.