Siliguri, Dec. 10: In a bid to help paddy farmers at Millanpally in Rajganj set up fisheries, the state fisheries department, is helping them with loans and subsidies.

Plans to develop the area on the lines of a model village are also in the pipeline.

“The elephant menace had prompted many a farmer of the region to convert farmland to fish pools. There are about 725 ponds. More farmers are showing interest to follow suit,” said R. Foning Lepcha, deputy director of fisheries, Northern Zone.

“Provisions for loans and other subsidies through the fish farmers’ development agency have also been made,” he added.

Six hundred families have already made good use of the loans and 123 hectare of land has also been converted.

“An advantage of the area is that it is close to the Teesta. Not only is the water table high, the water is rich in nutrients that promote healthy growth of fish. The preferred carp or the American Rui can stock up a high level of fat reserve in as less as six months, ” said A. Talpatra, chief executive officer, fish farmers’ development agency, Jalpaiguri.

The fishery department’s plans to build a model village of Millanpally has also been set into motion with officials having submitted a proposal to the authorities concerned. The estimated cost has been pegged at Rs 1.38 crore.

“Complete electrification, a hatchery, an insulated van to carry the catch to markets, other necessities to ensure a healthy stock, and proper housing facilities with all basic amenities have been planned for the revamp,” Lepcha said.

A hatchery, to breed fish and raise the fry, is necessary to ensure the success of our enterprise,” he added, “and that would require a steady supply of electricity.”

“A hatchery would help maintain quality of the stock. If we are required to bring in the fry from some wholesaler, the chances of introducing disease or rearing bad quality fingerlings are high,” Talpatra said.

“If done well, maintaining an optimum annual stock of 7 lakh fish can easily be met,” he added.