- Kanker is the leading district of the state in terms of fish seed production and export
- Hatchery revolution made the state self-sufficient, demand across the country
Kanker district of Chhattisgarh has set a new example in the field of fisheries. Kanker has established its identity as the leading district of the state not only in fish seed production but also in the supply of fish seed to many states of the country. Fish seed production and export have given a new dimension to the economy of the district.
Until a few years ago, Kanker district had to depend on West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh for fish seed, but today a large number of fish seed pickup vehicles, fish farmers and functioning hatcheries are seen everywhere in the Pakhanjor area of Koylibeda development block. This change was possible with the help of the Blue Revolution Scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, under which fish seed hatcheries and ponds were constructed. With the effective implementation of these schemes, surplus production of fish seed has started in Pakhanjor.
Now the situation is that the high quality and affordable fish seed produced in Kanker is being exported not only to other districts of Chhattisgarh but also to other states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Bihar. Pakhanjoor seed is also special because it is of high quality, cheaper than other states, and is available in the early months like April-May, which helps farmers in fish farming in time.
According to the Assistant Director of Fisheries Department, a total of 34 fish seed production hatcheries are operating in Kanker district. A target of producing 337 crore spawn and 128 crore 35 lakh standard fry has been set in the year 2025-26. So far, 192 crore spawn and 7 crore 42 lakh standard fry have been produced in the district. Along with Major Carp, Pangasius fish seeds are also being prepared in the hatcheries here. Fisheries farmers Shri Vishwajeet Adhikari and Mrinal Barai say that every day 10-15 pickup vehicles from the area go to other districts and states carrying fish seeds.
This success of fish seed production in Pakhanjore area has provided direct and indirect employment to about 550 local people. Villagers involved in fish seed production, transportation, sale and related activities are now earning a stable income. Kanker district has today become a symbol of Chhattisgarh’s fisheries prosperity. The hatchery revolution here has freed the state from external dependence and has become the first choice across the country for quality fish seed.