Patna, Dec. 1: The effort of fish farmers at Shahzadapur to tide over a drought has earned the village — the first in the state — a pilot project for fish production.

A 110-acre plot, Sonemar Chaur, which remained of no use for about 25 years, has emerged a role model for other villages.

As part of the pilot project, inaugurated at Shahzadapur village of Sarairanjan block in Samastipur district today, 43 ponds have been developed. The aim is to develop 100 ponds.

The Chaur, which remained waterlogged for many years, saw drought in the last two years. It was then that the farmers of the area decided to go for fish farming. The fisheries directorate extended support to the farmers.

Animal and fish resources minister Giriraj Singh said: “A fish feed mill will be set up at Shahzadapur and a hatchery established at the chaur. Besides, a training centre will be set up so that the fish farmers could learn the skills.”

He added: “Fish farmers across the state would also be be provided with insurance facility and ponds with an area of four acres would get the same facility. The government’s aim is to develop all chaur land across the state for fish production.”