State Integrated Cooperative Development Project - Fisheries Sector

Description
The “State Integrated Cooperative Development Project” was introduced by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Uttarakhand. The scheme aims to promote sustainable fisheries development in Uttarakhand by facilitating the establishment and expansion of cooperative-based fisheries projects in both mountainous and plain regions.

Benefits
• Under the scheme, the following support is provided:
• Options for setting up large loan-based projects in both mountainous and plain areas are available for individuals or groups engaged in fisheries through cooperative societies.
• Facilities are provided for trout farming, angling, and retail outlets on a cluster basis in mountainous districts, and for Pangasius farming, major carp farming, and integrated fisheries in plain districts.
• Under the project, the cooperative societies will bear 10% of the contribution, while 70% is provided as a loan and 20% as a grant.
• The project assists the societies in preparing their Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) or Business Development Plans (BDPs) and organizes free training and capacity-building programs periodically.
• Support is provided for marketing and sale of fish produced by the societies.
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Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant must be a cooperative society engaged in fisheries sector.
2. The cooperative society must be registered in Uttarakhand.
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Required Documents
• Registration Certificate of the Cooperative Society
• Resolution Copy
• Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Business Development Plan (BDP)
• Bank Account Details
• Other supporting document as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to apply under this scheme?
A: Only fisheries-based cooperative societies registered in Uttarakhand under the Uttaranchal Cooperative Act, 2003 (as amended) are eligible to apply.
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Q: What types of fisheries projects are supported under the scheme?
A: The scheme supports projects such as trout farming, angling, and retail outlets in mountainous districts, and Pangasius farming, major carp farming, and integrated fisheries projects in plain districts.
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Q: What is the financial structure of the project?
A: Under the project, 70% of the cost is provided as a loan, 20% as a grant, and 10% as a contribution from the cooperative society itself.
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Q: What is the current interest rate on the loan amount?
A: Currently, the interest rate is 9.61% per annum. However, it may vary from time to time as per NCDC guidelines.
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Q: What is the repayment period for the loan?
A: The loan amount must generally be repaid within eight years, subject to changes made periodically by NCDC.
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Q: Are societies required to prepare project documents before applying?
A: Yes. Each cooperative society must prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Business Development Plan (BDP) while submitting its application.
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Q: How can a cooperative society apply for the project?
A: The society must submit its proposed work estimate along with the DPR/BDP to the District Assistant Director of Fisheries or the District Fisheries In-Charge.
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Q: What is the process of project selection?
A: Submitted DPRs/BDPs are evaluated at the district and state levels. Societies found suitable are selected under the project.
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Q: How are funds disbursed to the selected societies?
A: Funds are released in installments based on the progress of the project and compliance with the prescribed conditions.
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