Ranchi: A total of 50 women from Ranchi and Hazaribag districts have been selected for specialised training in ornamental fish farming for the 2026–27 financial year, aimed at boosting rural self-employment and women’s entrepreneurship across Jharkhand. A five-day comprehensive training programme, organised by the directorate of fisheries, was formally inaugurated on Saturday by director of fisheries Amarendra Kumar.Along with the 50 women farmers, 150 general fish farmers, both men and women, from districts including Dumka, Lohardaga, Khunti, Simdega, Deoghar, and Garhwa are also participating in the training sessions. During the sessions, farmers will gain theoretical and practical expertise in advanced aquaculture techniques.Kumar said the primary objective of the training is to promote quality fish farming while providing farmers with new opportunities for self-employment and income generation.He said, “This training aims to familiarise farmers and fish culturists with modern and advanced techniques for rearing ornamental and decorative fish.”To support the practical setup, each beneficiary will receive an operational kit at the end of the training. The kit will be equipped with circular and fibre tanks, fish spawn, oxygen aeration machines, feed, medicines, water pH testing tools, and a quarantine aquarium for disease management. Additionally, the directorate of fisheries offers financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to women interested in setting up independent retail shops.The initiative builds on the success of the 2025–26 scheme, during which 65 women were trained for ornamental fish farming. Those beneficiaries are currently generating a monthly income between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000. Women in the region are locally breeding popular and exotic species, including goldfish, guppies, angelfish, molly, swordtail, zebra fish, polar parrot, and colour widow.The scheme has inspired strong enthusiasm among local participants. Lalita Devi, 40, a first-time beneficiary from Kanke, said, “I have seen other women succeed in ornamental fish farming and am hoping to build a stable livelihood to support my family the same way.”Similarly, 24-year-old Reeta Kachchap from Namkom shared that the programme has made her dream of becoming an independent businesswoman achievable.
