From Barren Hills to Bountiful Ponds: Una’s Farmers Write a New Story

In the rocky foothills of Himachal Pradesh’s Una district, a quiet revolution is underway. Land once considered too harsh for traditional farming is now brimming with life, thanks to a transformative fisheries scheme that’s boosting incomes, creating jobs, and even helping the environment.

At the heart of this change is the state’s Chief Minister Carp Fisheries Scheme. In just one year, the Bangana and Shri Chintapurni regions have become inspiring examples of how a “Blue Economy” can breathe new life into rural communities.

Turning Challenges into Opportunity

For many farmers in these hilly areas, the struggle was real. The land was often stony and unproductive, and the threat of wild animals made farming a risky endeavor.

“The soil in many parts of Bangana and Sri Chintapurni was hard and difficult to farm,” explained Vivek Kumar, Assistant Director of the Fisheries Department in Una. “This scheme provided a powerful alternative for these farmers.”

Today, that same challenging land has been transformed into productive fish farms. The scheme offers a significant 80% subsidy to help farmers cover the high cost of constructing ponds in the hills. So far, 10 farmers have received aid of approximately 28 lakh rupees, leading to the creation of 10 new ponds across 2.8 hectares of land.

More Than Just Income: A Model of Self-Reliance

This initiative is rooted in a larger vision for the state. According to Fisheries Director Vivek Chandel, the goal is to strengthen self-employment in the hilly areas.

“Chief Minister Sukhvindra Singh Sukhu’s priority is to bring self-employment opportunities to people’s doorsteps,” said Chandel. “The Fisheries Department is working continuously to turn this vision into reality.”

The benefits are extending beyond the economy. The new, rain-fed ponds are acting as natural water recharge structures, improving groundwater levels and creating a more balanced local ecosystem. This provides a sustainable foundation for the rural economy for years to come.

A Commitment to Positive Change

The district administration emphasizes that the government’s ultimate goal is to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal stated, “The state government’s top priority is to bring concrete and positive changes. We are committed to ensuring eligible farmers get the full advantage of such schemes to open new doors for income and employment in Una.