Mukesh Sharma

Kalimpong, January 10:

Fish farming can prove to be another source of income to Kalimpong’s farmers. The government also provides various kinds of schemes to the fish farmers. The Fisheries Department, Government of West Bengal provides bank loans to the aspiring acquaculturists. Those who have their own lands can approach the department. They are given Rs 32,000/- by the government.

As per Saral Gurung, Fisheries Extension Officer, Kalimpong Block I, around 250 farmers under Block I have taken up fish farming with the help from the governmental scheme. During the time of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) there was not much works done by the Fisheries Department. Thus, now the department hopes for a better change under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

“If GTA concentrates on this department then many fish farmers will benefit”, said Gurung.

According to Gurung, the fish farming at Jore Maney in Sindebong is doing well. The lower belts of Kalimpong such as Pubung, Nimbong, Dungra, Relli, etc are suitable for this occupation as the water and weather are favorable.

However, Gurung feels that still after benefits provided by the government, no responsible works are being done.

The department has also been distributing fry (baby fishes). But after 2007 they have not been distributed. Gurung also notified that the farmers are not being delivered benefits after 2011.

The fish farmers can gain financial help from Fish Farmer Development Agency and become self reliant, said Gurung.