Bihar Becomes Self-Sufficient in Fish Production

• 23 Nov 2023

Why In News?

On November 22, 2023, according to information received from the media, Bihar has now become almost self-sufficient in fish production. At present 7.62 lakh metric tonnes of fish is being produced in the state every year against the demand of 8.02 lakh metric tonnes of fish.

Key Points:

• The state currently has a per capita fish consumption of 6.464 kg each year. Katla fish is the first choice of Biharis. Rohu is in second place and Mrigal (Naini) is in third place.
• The production of Catla fish in Bihar is 164.189 thousand metric tons. The production of Rohu is 154.794 thousand metric tons and the production of Mrigal is 107.586 thousand metric tons.
• Pangasius, common, silver and grass carp are also produced on a large scale. Every person of Bihar eats 6.464 kg of fish every year.
• Currently, 37.0545 thousand metric tons of fish are being sent to other states from across the state, while 38.462 thousand metric tons of fish are coming to Bihar from other states.
• The state is producing 80.4113 thousand metric tons of silver carp, 96.49262 thousand metric tons of grass carp, 92.66252 thousand metric tons of common carp, 45.8596 thousand metric tons of cat fee and 52.8796 thousand metric tons of pangasius fish every year. Besides, the production of other fishes is 48.5901 thousand tonnes every year.
• Bihar has now joined the top 4 states of the country in fish production. Sheikhpura district has the biggest contribution in fish farming in Bihar. Due to the financial support of the government, Shekhpura district is providing fresh fish to the districts like Jamui, Nalanda, Nawada, Lakhisarai, Patna, Begusarai etc.