From guns to gills: How fish farming is transforming former Naxals in Jharkhand

A Peaceful Shift in Jharkhand’s Red Corridor

In the deep interiors of Jharkhand, long plagued by decades of Maoist insurgency, a quiet revolution is underway—not of ideology, but of enterprise. Dozens of former Naxalites, once entrenched in armed rebellion against the state, have now turned to fish farming as a sustainable and dignified livelihood. In regions like Latehar, West Singhbhum, and Gumla, what was once a battlefield is now teeming with freshwater fish—symbolizing peace, purpose, and prosperity.

This transformation is not accidental. It’s the outcome of a series of state-backed rehabilitation initiatives and the growing popularity of aquaculture as a profitable enterprise in India’s rural economy.

Government Rehabilitation and Skill Training Initiatives

Jharkhand’s Fisheries Department, in collaboration with the State Rural Livelihoods Mission (JSLPS) and Central Government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), has been instrumental in providing technical training and subsidies to former Naxals. These initiatives aim to wean them off violence and integrate them into the formal economy.

“We provide skill-based training, quality fingerlings, feed, and even access to cold storage infrastructure. Many of these individuals now run cooperative fish farms and are earning anywhere between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh per season,” says Anil Kumar Singh, Deputy Director of Fisheries, Jharkhand.

The state has rehabilitated over 200 surrendered militants in the past three years, with at least 70 actively engaged in fish farming.

Success Stories Breeding Hope

One such success story is that of Ramesh Mahato (name changed), a former Naxal commander who once led ambushes in the forests of Palamu. Today, Ramesh oversees a two-acre pond stocked with Rohu, Katla, and Grass Carp. With the help of JSLPS and initial state support of ₹1.2 lakh, he managed to produce over 2,000 kg of fish in his first season.

“I was tired of bloodshed. I didn’t want my children to grow up in fear,” says Ramesh. “Fish farming gave me hope and a second chance.”

In West Singhbhum, similar ventures are run collectively by women’s self-help groups (SHGs) involving family members of former extremists, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and reintegration.

Analysts See a Rural Growth Opportunity

Agribusiness experts and rural development economists are taking note. Dr. Neelesh Banerjee, an agripreneurship analyst at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), believes this trend signifies a broader shift in the rural economic model.

“This is not just a rehabilitation program, it's a microcosm of India’s rural economic evolution. Fish farming is less capital-intensive than poultry or dairy, has quicker turnaround, and now even has export potential. Jharkhand, with its abundant water bodies and tribal population, is uniquely positioned for this,” Dr. Banerjee explains.

Jharkhand produced over 2 lakh tonnes of inland fish in FY2023, registering a 10.8% increase YoY. The government aims to scale this to 3 lakh tonnes by FY2026, partly driven by community-based initiatives.

Market Context: Growing Demand for Aquaculture

India ranks third globally in fish production and second in aquaculture. Domestic demand for freshwater fish like Rohu and Katla continues to surge, driven by urban consumption, rising health consciousness, and better cold chain logistics.

The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) projects that India’s aquaculture sector could be worth $25 billion by 2028. For investors, this opens avenues in cold chain infrastructure, feed production, hatchery management, and even export logistics.

“Jharkhand’s model could be replicated in other conflict-prone regions such as Chhattisgarh or Odisha. Private players could also be brought in via PPP models to scale production and integrate supply chains,” says Meera Iyer, an ESG investment consultant.

Investor Outlook: Social Impact Meets Profitability

For social impact investors and CSR arms of conglomerates, Jharkhand’s fish farming story presents a dual opportunity—supporting post-conflict rehabilitation while earning returns from a growing sector.

“The social return on investment (SROI) is massive here. If supported with the right ecosystem—financial literacy, cooperative formation, and market linkages—these ventures can break the cycle of conflict-induced poverty,” adds Iyer.

Fintech startups are also exploring microcredit options tailored to seasonal farming cycles, while logistics companies are piloting refrigerated trucks for inland transportation.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Hopes

While the transformation is promising, challenges persist. Inadequate veterinary care, seasonal water scarcity, and limited access to high-quality feed are common complaints. Moreover, reintegration into society is still an uphill task for many ex-combatants facing social stigma.

However, for those who have swapped bullets for boats and bunkers for bamboo fish cages, the journey is more than economic—it's redemptive.

“There was a time when I could only run from the police or hide in forests. Now, I wait for harvest season and think about expanding to shrimp farming,” says Ramesh with a grin.

The gun, once an emblem of power and resistance, has been replaced by nets and hopes of a peaceful livelihood.