From Insurgency to Prosperity: The Fish Farming Revolution in Jharkhand

Ex-insurgents in Jharkhand's Gumla district are now thriving fish farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. The initiative has significantly reduced Left-wing extremism, repopulated villages, and generated economic growth by providing sustainable income and shifting focus from insurgency to development.

Former insurgents in western Jharkhand have swapped their weapons for fishing nets, thanks to a transformative government scheme. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana has successfully converted a region once plagued by violence into a thriving hub of economic activity.

Jyothi Lakra, a former Naxalite, now operates a fish feed mill, reaping an impressive profit of Rs 8,00,000 last year. Supported by a Rs 18 lakh grant, his mill addresses a crucial need for local fish feed production—eliminating a 150 km journey for villagers. The scheme's impact is clear, with 157 beneficiaries trained in just four years.

The district's notable removal from the Union Home Ministry's list of Naxalite-affected areas signifies a major decline in Left-wing extremism. The shift has rejuvenated communities, reopened schools and hospitals, and revitalized agriculture. The success in Gumla stands as a testament to the power of targeted development in combating insurgency and fostering sustainable growth.

(With inputs from agencies.)