WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEPTEMBER 2025 75 Bihar, one of the states of India, is endowed with abundant inland water resources, comprising rivers such as the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Sone, floodplain wetlands (beels and mauns), ponds, tanks, and reservoirs. These resources have historically supported fisheries as a vital occupation and continue to make significant contributions to the state’s economy and food security. The fisheries sector plays a vital role in providing employment, nutritional security, and income opportunities. This article explores the growth trajectory of Bihar’s fisheries sector from the 20th century to the 21st century, highlighting its evolution, major policy interventions, achievements, challenges, and prospects. 20th Century: Traditional Base and Early Development During the early and mid-20th century, fishing in Bihar was primarily based on natural water resources such as rivers, floodplain wetlands, and oxbow lakes. Traditional water management systems like the ahar–pyne system facilitated water retention for both agriculture and fisheries. Fishing was a vital livelihood activity, particularly among rural communities, but it was governed by feudal systems such as the Panidari system, which restricted access to fishing rights. The Panidari system, prevalent in regions like Bhagalpur, imposed coercive control over fisheries resources and continued until the 1990s. Its abolition came through movements like the Ganga Mukti Andolan, which democratized access to rivers and paved the way for community fisheries. Post-abolition, fishing became a ‘free-for-all’ activity, although regulatory mechanisms were still weak. A significant aspect of Bihar’s fisheries during the 20th century was its dominance in Indian Major Carp (IMC) seed supply. By the 1960s and 1970s, Bihar was recognized as the largest provider of IMC seed to the entire nation, aiding the expanding freshwater aquaculture industry. Riverine resources, especially the Ganga, played a critical role in supplying seed material for aquaculture practices in other states. However, production systems remained largely extensive, with minimal adoption of scientific stocking or intensive farming. The infrastructure for seed production, hatcheries, and marketing was underdeveloped, limiting the commercialization of the sector. Cooperative initiatives existed but lacked strong institutional and financial backing. Traditional practices involved the use of seasonal ponds and tanks for breeding and growing fingerlings and yearlings. These water bodies were dispersed across the state and provided substantial scope for aquaculture expansion even in the 20th century. However, most ponds were community-owned or managed under informal arrangements, leading to issues of overfishing, poor maintenance, and low productivity. The lack of investment and institutional support restricted progress during this period. ASIAN-PACIFIC CHAPTER CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE: A Bihar (India) Fish Industry: 20th Century to 21st Century Dr. Bibha Kumari (CONTINUED ON PAGE 77) FIGURE 1. Fish culture pond in Bihar. FIGURE 2. Biofloc fish farming in Bihar. Bihar, one of the states of India, is endowed with abundant inland water resources, comprising rivers such as the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Sone, floodplain wetlands (beels and mauns), ponds, tanks, and reservoirs. These resources have historically supported fisheries as a vital occupation and continue to make significant contributions to the state’s economy and food security. The fisheries sector plays a vital role in providing employment, nutritional security, and income opportunities. This article explores the growth trajectory of Bihar’s fisheries sector from the 20th century to the 21st century, highlighting its evolution, major policy interventions, achievements, challenges, and prospects.
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