Uttar Pradesh fish output more than doubles as ponds, rivers and reservoirs leased for fisheries

UPDATE - follow-up to U.P. focuses on utilisation of Gram Sabha ponds, reservoirs, rivers to make fisheries backbone of rural livelihood: The Uttar Pradesh government announced that fish production has risen to 15.90 lakh tonnes, up from 6.29 lakh tonnes in eight years, as it pushes fisheries to become a stable income source for farmers and fishing communities. More than 80,000 hectares of Gram Sabha ponds have been leased for fish farming, 2,205 kilometres of rivers are now under organized leasing frameworks, and 342 reservoirs are actively used for fish production. Additional Chief Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meshram said the structured approach has brought transparency, efficiency and stronger community participation. He highlighted that scientific fish culture, modern practices and collective investment models have boosted productivity and income stability for thousands of rural households. Meshram, a 1995‑batch IAS officer, added that the scheme aligns with long‑term goals of using underused water resources efficiently, raising farmer incomes and balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability. ## Context The move reflects a broader push by state authorities to turn idle water bodies into livelihood assets while protecting the environment.