Fisheries at a Glance
Historical Heritage, Statistics & Educational Landscape
Historical Perspective
Bihar's first documented association with fisheries has its origin way back to 3rd century B.C in Kautilya’s Arthasashtra. It also occupies a prominent place in Buddhism where it is a sign of fertility. Princely state of Darbhanga gave it a great prominence and it was made the symbol of the State.
All the while it witnessed many ups and downs but the first sincere and scientific attempt to popularize the innovation composite culture technology in Bihar was started in 1974 under the aegis of All India Co-ordinated project on composite fish culture of ICAR. It continued up to 1980, and within this short span it achieved phenomenal results and productivity went up from a meager 350kg/ha/yr to the extent of 2130kg/ha/yr.
Key Statistics & Trivia
- Total water area: 65,000 Ha
- State level federation: Bihar Rajya Matsyajibi Sahakari Sangh Ltd. (COFFED)
- Special fisherman day: 10th July
- City of Pond and temple: Darbhanga
- Districts with highest govt tanks: Madhubani (3430)
- District with highest private tanks: Darbhanga (2301)
- World Fisheries Day: 21st November
- Fisherman population (estimated): 1.5 Crore
Electoral & Demographic Data (2009 Context)
A look at the impact of the fisherman (Nishad) community in Bihar's political landscape.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| More than 3 Lakh Vote Winner | 5 |
| 2 Lakh to 3 Lakh Voter Winner | 25 |
| 1 Lakh to 2 Lakh Voter Winner | 10 |
| Total | 40 |
| Nishad Samaj Vote Distribution | Count |
|---|---|
| Between 2 Lakh and 3 Lakh | 28 |
| Between 1 Lakh and 2 Lakh | 12 |
| Total | 40 |
Fisheries Academic Institutions
| Sr. No. | College Name | Course Offered | Place | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Patna Science College | M.Sc. Aquaculture | Patna | 2 Years |
| 2. | R.A.U., Pusa | B.F.Sc. | Pusa | 4 Years |
| 3. | S.N.S. College | B.Sc. Ind. Fisheries | Motihari | 3 Years |
| 4. | R.D. S. College | - | Muzzaffarpur | - |
| 5. | G.S. College | - | Chapra | - |
| 6. | Samastipur College | - | Samastipur | - |
| 7. | M.L.S.M. College | - | Darbhanga | - |
| 8. | S. K. Woman's College | - | Begusarai | - |
| 9. | J.L.N. College | - | Sasaram | - |
| 10. | Naugachiya College | - | Bhagalpur | - |
| 11. | College of Fisheries | B.F.Sc. | Kishanganj | - |
Intermediate & Vocational Courses
| Sr. No. | Institution | Course | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | DPCSS (Miller) Inter School | Inland Fisheries | Patna |
| 2. | Inter School | Inland Fisheries | Purnea |
| 3. | Inter School | Inland Fisheries | Madhubani |
| 4. | Inter School | Inland Fisheries | Sitamarhi |
| 5. | IGNOU | Diploma in Aquaculture | Patna |
COFFED continues to strive for the welfare of the fishing community through unity and innovation.
Visual Highlights & Facts
