Access to affordable credit remains one of the biggest challenges for fish farmers, particularly those involved in small and medium-scale aquaculture. While several government schemes have been introduced to support the fisheries sector, many farmers are still unaware of the financial assistance and institutional support available to them. To bridge this gap, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) recently encouraged fish farmers in Arunachal Pradesh to make greater use of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries Scheme and other government initiatives aimed at strengthening aquaculture.
The awareness was created during a KCC-cum-Financial Literacy Workshop held at Tarin Aqua Park in Ziro, where officials from NABARD, the Fisheries Department and banking institutions explained various schemes designed to improve access to finance and support the growth of fisheries enterprises.
What is the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries Scheme?
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme for fisheries is designed to provide institutional credit to eligible fish farmers for meeting their day-to-day operational expenses. The scheme can help farmers manage working capital requirements such as purchasing fish seed, feed, medicines, pond maintenance, labour, fuel, and other production-related costs.
By providing easier access to formal credit, the scheme aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on informal borrowing sources and improve financial planning for aquaculture activities.
Which Government Schemes Were Highlighted?
During the workshop, officials also shared information about several government initiatives available for the fisheries sector.
One of the major schemes discussed was the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which supports fisheries development through assistance for infrastructure, production enhancement, value addition, and livelihood opportunities.
Participants were also introduced to the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), which provides financing support for eligible agriculture and fisheries infrastructure projects, and the Jan Samarth Portal, an online platform that helps beneficiaries access multiple government credit-linked schemes through a single digital interface.
Why Are Fish Farmer Producer Organisations Important?
Officials encouraged farmers to make use of Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) operating in the district. These organisations enable farmers to work collectively in areas such as input procurement, marketing, and business development.
By joining producer organisations, fish farmers may be able to improve market access, reduce input costs through collective purchasing, and strengthen their bargaining power.
Digital Banking and Financial Awareness
The workshop also focused on improving financial literacy among fish farmers. Participants were introduced to the Krishika mobile application, which provides access to KCC-related services and digital banking facilities.
Officials also explained the importance of financial inclusion through insurance and pension schemes available for rural households. Such programmes are intended to improve financial security and encourage greater participation in formal banking systems.
Why Awareness Programmes Matter
Government schemes can only benefit farmers when they are aware of the opportunities available and understand the application process. Workshops like the one organised in Ziro provide a platform for fish farmers to learn about institutional credit, fisheries development programmes, digital banking services, and financial protection initiatives directly from government departments and banking institutions.
The programme witnessed the participation of around 58 fish farmers and stakeholders, highlighting the growing interest in government-supported fisheries development initiatives in the region.
Conclusion
As India’s aquaculture sector continues to expand, access to institutional finance and government support remains an important component of sustainable fisheries development. Initiatives such as the Kisan Credit Card Fisheries Scheme, PMMSY, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, and the Jan Samarth Portal offer multiple avenues of support for eligible fish farmers. Increasing awareness about these schemes can help farmers make informed financial decisions and utilise the assistance available for strengthening their aquaculture enterprises.
