Incentive Scheme for Sericulture Reelers 2026

This scheme, run by Gujarat's Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, aims to boost fish production through Read More... inland fisheries and create job opportunities for Scheduled Tribe (ST) individuals. Read less

Details

The Gujarat government is actively working to empower its tribal communities, especially those involved in fishing. Through the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, a special scheme has been launched to give a significant push to fish seed production and provide much-needed equipment for inland fisheries in tribal areas.

What Is This Scheme?

This initiative focuses on enhancing fish production in inland water bodies like rivers, ponds, and lakes. It provides direct financial and material support to individuals and groups from Scheduled Tribes (ST) who are engaged in fishing and fish farming.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The primary beneficiaries are individuals, societies, self-help groups, associations, and even private units that are actively involved in inland fisheries. Crucially, applicants must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category and be over 18 years old.

Why This Scheme Is Important

By supporting fish seed rearing, stocking, and providing essential equipment like boats and nets, the scheme aims to increase the income of tribal fishermen. Furthermore, it offers training to upgrade their skills, making the fisheries sector more productive and sustainable for the tribal population.

Objective

This scheme, run by Gujarat's Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, aims to boost fish production through inland fisheries and create job opportunities for Scheduled Tribe (ST) individuals.

Benefits

Financial Assistance:

Silk reeling/spinning workers can receive a loan of up to ₹2,00,000/-, with 50% of the loan amount being provided as a subsidy.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant must be a Fisherman involved in inland fisheries activities.
Applicant must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
Applicant must be 18 years of age or above.
The applicant must possess their own bank account.
Individuals, societies, self-help groups, associations, reservoir monopolies, and private units engaged in inland fisheries can apply.

How To Apply

Interested and eligible individuals can apply online through the official i-Khedut portal.
Visit the portal at: https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in
Fill out the application form with accurate details.
Upload all the required documents as specified.

Documents Required

Aadhaar Card
Caste Certificate (ST Certificate)
Passport Size Photograph
Bank Passbook or Cancelled Cheque (to verify bank account details)
Quotation (for equipment, if applicable)
Ration Card

FAQ’s

What is the main aim of this scheme?

The scheme's primary goal is to boost fish production through inland fisheries and generate employment opportunities for individuals belonging to Scheduled Tribes (ST) who are involved in fishing and fish farming.

Are there any age restrictions for applicants?

Yes, applicants must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for this scheme.

What kind of financial help is given for buying fishing boats and nets?

The scheme offers 50% financial assistance. For a Tin Boat & Net, the subsidy is up to ₹7,500/-. For an F.R.P. Boat & Net, the subsidy is up to ₹15,000/-.

What financial support is available for fish seed rearing?

Financial aid for fish seed rearing is provided at the following rates:*₹90/- per 1000 spawn to fry (with 30% recovery).*₹260/- per 1000 fry to fingerlings (with 35% recovery).*₹460/- per 1000 spawn to fingerlings (with 12% recovery).The minimum recovery rates are stipulated for each stage.

How does the scheme help in stocking fish seeds?

The scheme provides full assistance (100%) for the cost of fish seeds and their transportation to the stocking locations.

Is there specific support for prawn seed stocking?

Yes, 100% assistance is provided for the cost of prawn seeds and their transportation, but this is specifically for beneficiaries who are Scheduled Caste (SC) lessees.

What benefits can women receive under this scheme?

Women who complete a 3-month training program will receive a fish seed rearing kit worth ₹2,500/-. This benefit is provided once in a lifetime.

Does the scheme offer training programs for tribal fishermen?

Absolutely. Tribal trainees can receive a stipend of ₹2,000/- per month for a period of three months, totaling ₹6,000/-. This is provided they maintain at least 60% attendance during the training. This training scholarship is a one-time benefit for each individual.

What is the maximum duration for which beneficiaries must maintain the assets/activities to retain the subsidy?

The minimum time limit for retaining benefits varies depending on the assistance received:*Fish seed rearing and stocking: 1 year.*Boat & net assistance: 6 years.*Fish cage culture: 3 years.*Training of tribal trainees: This is a one-time benefit and does not have a retention period.

Who is eligible for the scheme besides individual fishermen?

The scheme is open to various entities involved in inland fisheries, including societies, self-help groups, associations, reservoir monopolies, and private units, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.

Can individuals from communities other than Scheduled Tribes apply?

No, this scheme is exclusively designed for individuals belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category who are engaged in inland fisheries.