Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): The Haryana government has increased the capacity limit for solar systems eligible for subsidies for shrimp farmers from 10 kW to 30 kW, aiming to reduce electricity expenses and improve their profitability.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Fisheries Minister Shyam Singh Rana announced the revised limit on Tuesday, November 10. He said shrimp farmers would receive a 60% subsidy under the state’s Intensive Fisheries Development Programme for the financial year 2025-26.
According to the minister, the scheme provides for a project cost of Rs 50,000 per kilowatt, taking the total cost for a 30 kW solar system to Rs 15 lakh. Eligible fisheries farmers will receive 60% of this amount as subsidy.
Rana said the higher subsidy limit was intended to bring down the cost of electricity and generator use, which account for a significant part of shrimp farming expenses. Lower power bills, he added, would help farmers reduce production costs and improve their net earnings.
Haryana developing integrated aqua parks in Sirsa and Bhiwani
The state government is also developing infrastructure to promote modern fish and shrimp farming.
Rana said integrated aqua parks, designed as centres of excellence, were being established in Sirsa and Bhiwani districts.
Civil construction work at the Bhiwani centre has already begun, and the facility is expected to be completed by June 2028.
In Sirsa district, the process to establish another integrated aqua park in Poharka village has officially started under the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
These facilities are expected to provide farmers and fisheries operators with practical training in modern fish and shrimp farming, improved seed varieties and scientific guidance under one roof.
Government promotes shrimp farming in saline areas
Rana said the government wanted farmers to explore income opportunities beyond traditional wheat and paddy cultivation by taking up fisheries and shrimp farming.
He particularly highlighted the potential of white shrimp farming in areas where soil or water has high salinity, saying it could offer farmers an alternative source of income.
The minister said the state’s initiatives were aimed at strengthening the rural economy and encouraging young people to become self-reliant through agriculture-related activities.
