Women entrepreneurs are leading a transformative wave in the local fish farming sector in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Approximately 30 percent of fish farms in the area are now owned and operated by these determined women, who not only ensure their own financial stability but also drive empowerment across the district.
Officials from the Department of Fisheries have hailed the proactive stance of these female entrepreneurs, for utilising various government initiatives. Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampadna Yojna (PMSSY) and an extensive agricultural development plan provide women beneficiaries with a substantial 60 percent subsidy on the overall project costs. This support acts as a significant incentive, encouraging these women to embrace fish farming and achieve economic self-reliance.
One remarkable success story features a former software engineer who, with significant government subsidies, has successfully operated her fish farm for the past two years. She said the venture not only supports her family but also offers an honest livelihood. She urged the youth to explore alternative paths and initiate their own businesses. Kulsuma Majeed, another entrepreneur, discovered these schemes through social media. She applied for a fish farm and easily obtained the necessary resources to establish it, including funding, seeds, training, and other forms of assistance.
Customers like Javeed Ahmad have acknowledged the potential of these female-run fish farms, enjoying high-quality fish products and considering them a healthier and sustainable alternative to meat. They believe that this trend has the potential not only to transform the community’s livelihoods but also to create a more sustainable future for the region. This shift towards women’s empowerment and economic self-sufficiency in the fish farming sector is not merely changing individual lives but also shaping the future of Ganderbal. As these entrepreneurs continue to thrive, the community witnesses the dawn of a brighter and more inclusive era.