Fish farming by women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Rajkanika block of Kendrapara district has failed to meet the local market demand. Fish traders are depending on Andhara Pradesh and Balugaon in Khordha district of Odisha though several women SHGs have adopted pond fish farming.
According to reports, there are a total of 2385 women SHGs in Rajkanika block. Most of the SHGs have adopted fish farming taking village ponds on three-year lease. The fisheries department is providing free training and technical support for farming along with subsidy. However, the fish production meets only 10 percent of the local markets. For marriage and other social feasts, the traders totally depend on other markets.
According to government data, 28 new ponds were dug in the block in 2022-23 financial year and 67 women SHGs have been provided financial assistance and subsidy for fish farming during this period.