Chandigarh, Nov 10 (PTI) In an initiative to promote aquaculture and enhance farmers' income, the Haryana government has increased the capacity limit for subsidised solar power systems used in shrimp farming from 10 kilowatts to 30 KW.
The move is expected to substantially reduce energy costs and improve the profitability of shrimp cultivation across the state, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Fisheries Minister Shyam Singh Rana said here on Tuesday.
Rana said the decision had been taken in view of the high electricity and generator expenses incurred by shrimp farmers. By facilitating greater adoption of solar energy, the government aims to make shrimp farming more economical, sustainable and financially rewarding.
The Minister said that under the state's Intensive Fisheries Development Programme for the financial year 2025-26, the project cost for solar power systems used in white shrimp farming has been fixed at Rs 50,000 per KW, with a maximum eligible project cost of Rs 15 lakh for a 30 KW system. Farmers will receive a subsidy of 60 per cent of the eligible project cost.
He said the enhanced assistance would help shrimp farmers significantly reduce their dependence on conventional electricity and diesel generators.
Lower energy expenditure would translate into reduced production costs and improved net returns, making shrimp farming a more viable livelihood option.
Highlighting the state government's efforts to modernise the fisheries sector, Rana said Integrated Aqua Parks, functioning as Centres of Excellence, are being developed in Sirsa and Bhiwani districts to provide farmers with access to advanced aquaculture technologies and specialised support services.
Civil construction work on the Centre of Excellence in Bhiwani has already commenced and the facility is expected to become fully operational by June 2028.
Similarly, the process of establishing an Integrated Aqua Park at the Poharka village of Sirsa district has formally begun under the Central Government's Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
The Minister further said these facilities would serve as comprehensive resource centres where farmers and fish growers could access practical training in modern fish and shrimp farming, improved-quality seed and scientific guidance under one roof.
The initiative is intended to encourage technology-driven aquaculture and enable farmers to adopt more productive farming practices, he said.
Rana said the Haryana government was taking sustained measures to diversify agricultural activities and create additional income opportunities for farmers. While traditional wheat and paddy cultivation would continue to play an important role, the government was encouraging farmers to explore high-value allied activities such as fisheries and shrimp farming.
He particularly highlighted the growing potential of white shrimp cultivation in areas affected by soil and water salinity, where conventional agriculture often faces limitations.
White shrimp farming is emerging as a promising source of income for farmers, particularly in saline-affected regions. By reducing input costs and providing access to modern technology, we aim to help farmers realise better returns from their resources, the minister said.
