The state government is working to make fish farming an effective means of supplementing farmers’ income. World Bank-assisted Jharkhand Opportunities for Harnessing Rural Growth (Johar) – which functions under the aegis of Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) – signed an MoU with state fisheries department on Wednesday to facilitate increase in fish production, supply of quality seeds, use of cage culture and boost fish marketing. JSLPS is an initiative of state’s rural development department. The MoU was signed by JSLPS chief executive Paritosh Upadhyay and director of fisheries H.N. Dwivedi. “This scheme will initially be implemented across 46 blocks in 13 districts where over 34,500 farmers will be encouraged to get involved in fish farming to augment production income,” Dwivedi said. Fish production in the state, which currently stands at 1.90 lakh metric tonnes per year, will be increased to 2.25 lakh metric tonnes through farming in private ponds and dobhas. The fisheries directorate will train farmers and supply quality seeds and feed. Rural women will also be encouraged to form groups or sakhi mandals to take part in this venture.