How to Start Fish Farming Business: ₹11 Lakh Cost & Profit
The basic Fish Pond (1 ha) costs ₹11 lakh. A new 1-hectare fish pond. 40% subsidy, 60% for women/SC/ST (PMMSY) — up to ₹4.4 lakh support; your share is about ₹1.1 l
The basic Fish Pond (1 ha) costs ₹11 lakh. A new 1-hectare fish pond. 40% subsidy, 60% for women/SC/ST (PMMSY) — up to ₹4.4 lakh support; your share is about ₹1.1 lakh. In year 3, sales are about ₹8 lakh with net profit ~35% of sales (estimate).
01Where will the money come from?
Total cost ₹11 lakh
From your pocket only ₹1.1 lakh — the subsidy is credited to your loan account.
What does the money go into?
- Building/civil₹7 lakh
- Working capital₹4 lakh
02Income over 5 years
Yearly sales (blue bar) · Net profit (green)
net profit ~35% of sales · payback ~2.9 years · Includes interest, depreciation and a 5% yearly rise in costs.
035 steps to start
- Get trainedLearn the work, find buyers
- Prepare the siteShed/room, power, water
- Get a DPR madeProject report as the bank needs it
- Apply for loan + subsidy40% subsidy, 60% for women/SC/ST (PMMSY)
- Produce and sellIncome starts from year 1
04Who is it right for?
053 mistakes that cause losses
06Machines and items you need
The basic fish farming unit needs these items. Total cost is ₹11 lakh — building/civil ₹7 lakh, machinery ₹0 thousand and working capital ₹4 lakh.
| Item | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Pond digging and bund | 1 hectare, 1.5–2 m deep — the main cost |
| Inlet and outlet | With mesh so fish don’t escape |
| Water source / pump | Borewell, canal or pump |
| Nets | For harvesting and checks |
| Water test kit | pH, oxygen, ammonia |
| First-year inputs | Seed (~6,000 fingerlings), feed, lime, manure — working capital |
| Aerator (if needed) | When oxygen drops in summer |
Before the DPR, take fresh quotations from 2–3 suppliers — the bank asks for them.
07How the work is done — from start to sale
- Site and soil: Water-holding (clay) soil and an assured water source.
- Prepare the pond: Dig, dry, apply lime.
- Water and manure: Fill and add manure so natural food (plankton) grows.
- Stock seed: About 6,000 fingerlings of rohu, catla, mrigal (IMC).
- Daily care: Feed, watch water colour and oxygen.
- Growth: Fish reach ~1 kg in 8–10 months.
- Harvest and sale: Net them and sell the same day to mandi or traders.
08Monthly view (year 3)
Yearly figures divided by 12, so you can see what comes in and goes out each month.
| Item | Per month |
|---|---|
| SalesMonthly average | ₹66 thousand |
| Total costRaw material, labour, power, interest and depreciation | ₹43 thousand |
| Net profitSales − total cost | ₹23 thousand |
| Loan instalment (EMI)₹5.5 lakh loan, 11% interest, 6 years (after 1-year moratorium) | ₹10,469 |
The bank checks that profit and depreciation cover the EMI comfortably. Sales will vary by season — keep 2–3 months of expenses aside.
09What if things change? (year-3 profit)
| Situation | Yearly profit |
|---|---|
| As estimated | ₹2.8 lakh |
| Selling price 10% lower | ₹2 lakh |
| Selling price 20% lower | ₹1.2 lakh |
| Selling price 10% higher | ₹3.6 lakh |
| Costs 10% higher | ₹2.3 lakh |
Costs are kept the same when price changes. The biggest risk is the selling price — fix buyers and prices first.
10Where to sell?
- Fish mandi — Bulk sale of the whole catch.
- Contractors / traders — Buy at the pond.
- Hotels and restaurants — Regular orders.
- Direct customers — Live fish fetch more.
- Fish FFPO / co-operative — Selling together gets a better price.
11Frequently asked questions
How much fish does a 1-hectare pond give?
About 5,000 kg a year (6,000 fingerlings, 85% survival).
What government support is there for the Fish Pond?
40% of unit cost; 60% for women, SC, ST. With a bank loan or own funds.
How much can the Fish Pond earn?
Year-3 sales are about ₹8 lakh with net profit ~35% of sales; payback ~2.9 years.
How much does a 1-hectare pond earn per month?
At 5,000 kg, ₹150/kg, year-3 sales are about ₹66 thousand a month and net profit about ₹23 thousand a month (yearly figure divided by 12).
How much subsidy is there for fish farming?
Under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): 40% for general category and 60% for women/SC/ST. Fish farmers can also get KCC.
Where can I get a fish farming project report PDF?
See the bank-ready DPR: Fish farming project report (DPR) →
Cost, machines, licences, subsidy and bank-loan steps — in one PDF, on WhatsApp.
This pack has: Fish Farming · Fish Processing · Ornamental Fish Farming
After payment, the PDF comes to the same WhatsApp number.
Fish Pond — Want to start?
Tell us your district and budget — an expert will suggest the next step for free.
Chat on WhatsApp+91 85305 77758Full details →Learn first: ₹11 business guide · Instagram · Facebook · YouTube
Last checked: 01-10-2026. Figures are based on government model reports and are indicative; get fresh quotes and local prices before the DPR. The bank decides the loan/subsidy — we help you prepare. Depends on the scheme continuing.
Utkrishi Team
Utkrishi – एग्री बिज़नेस, DPR, सब्सिडी और बैंक लोन में मदद। WhatsApp +91 90961 12806 · कॉल +91 85305 77758