# In Ambala, Farmers Building Fish Ponds Can Get Lakhs in Government Subsidy

> The fisheries department in Ambala, Haryana is encouraging farmers to build ponds and take up fish farming, with government subsidy of 40 to 60 percent of the project cost on offer.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Haryana · **Published:** 2026-09-05 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/haryana/ambala-men-talaba-banakara-machhali-palana-shuru-karane-para-sarakara-degi-lakhon-ka-anudana-28236 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Fish Farming Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Ambala Fisheries Department, Pond Subsidy Haryana, Haryana Saral Portal, Fish Farming Subsidy

September is being seen as a good window for people in rural Haryana to start a business of their own, especially those who would rather build something on the side than depend only on a job. Anyone who owns farmland can dig a pond on that land and start fish farming. Those without land are not shut out either, since land can be taken on lease for 8 to 10 years and the same business can be set up on it. The central government's Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is being used to bring farmers and young people into fish farming, and as part of that effort, the fisheries department in Ambala district is holding camps in villages to spread awareness about the scheme. The department says more than 50 farmers in the district take advantage of the scheme every year to start fish farming, a sign of the growing interest in the work.

## How much subsidy on a one-hectare pond
According to Ambala fisheries officer Ruby, the scheme allows farmers to build a pond on one hectare of land, whether that land is their own or has been taken on an 8 to 10 year lease agreement. Setting up a pond on one hectare can cost up to around Rs 11 lakh as project cost. On this entire amount, the government gives a subsidy of 40 to 60 percent depending on the beneficiary's category. General category applicants get up to 40 percent of the project cost as subsidy, while women beneficiaries and those from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories get subsidy of up to 60 percent. That means, depending on category, the beneficiary only has to arrange the remaining share of the Rs 11 lakh cost from their own pocket.

## The scheme goes beyond the pond, subsidy on a vehicle too
Ruby says the fish farming business does not end with building the pond. The scheme also provides a subsidy for buying a four wheeler vehicle needed to load and transport fish from the pond to the market, and this subsidy can go up to Rs 2.25 lakh. That helps farmers with loading and unloading fish and getting them to the market on time. The business may start with a small pond, but over time it can grow into a full operation covering fish production, transport and supply to the market, opening up multiple income streams for the farmer at once.

## How to apply and what documents are needed
Farmers interested in the scheme can apply online through the Haryana Saral Portal or the website of the Haryana fisheries department. Once the application is submitted, the department calls in the beneficiary and checks their information and documents. Only after this process is complete is the eligible applicant given the subsidy under the scheme. At the time of applying, documents such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, bank passbook, land papers or lease agreement, and, where required, a caste certificate along with other documents may be asked for, so it helps to keep all these papers ready before applying.

## What this means for you
The scheme can directly benefit rural families who want to build their own business instead of relying only on a job.

- **Across India:** The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana applies nationwide, so farmers in other states can also approach their local fisheries department and apply for subsidy under similar terms, opening up new employment options in rural areas.
- **In Ambala:** The district fisheries department is holding camps village by village to spread awareness, so local farmers can visit the department office or a camp directly to get advice based on their documents and land status. More than 50 farmers there benefit from the scheme every year.
- **Cost and subsidy:** A one-hectare pond can cost around Rs 11 lakh, on which general category applicants get up to 40 percent subsidy and women, SC and ST category applicants get up to 60 percent. Interested farmers can work out their likely savings in advance based on their category.
- **Help with buying a vehicle:** Buying a four wheeler to transport fish to market can bring a subsidy of up to Rs 2.25 lakh, which cuts down transport costs to some extent.
- **An option even without land:** Those without their own land can still benefit through an 8 to 10 year lease agreement, keeping the option open for landless farmers too.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What is this scheme called?
It is called the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.

### 2. How much land is needed to build a pond?
Under the scheme a pond can be built on one hectare of land, whether owned or taken on lease.

### 3. What if a farmer does not have their own land?
Land can also be taken on an 8 to 10 year lease to build the pond.

### 4. How much does it cost to build a one-hectare pond?
The project cost can go up to around Rs 11 lakh.

### 5. How much subsidy does the government give?
General category applicants get up to 40 percent, while women, SC and ST category applicants get up to 60 percent.

### 6. How much subsidy is available for buying a vehicle?
Buying a four wheeler to transport fish can bring a subsidy of up to Rs 2.25 lakh.

### 7. Where can farmers apply for the scheme?
Farmers can apply online through the Haryana Saral Portal or the Haryana fisheries department website.

### 8. What documents are required for the application?
Documents such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, bank passbook, land papers or lease agreement, and a caste certificate where needed may be asked for.

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