KANCHANPUR: Freed Kamaiyas are lured towards commercial fish farming in Daiji VDC of Kanchanpur district.

They entered this business five years ago as they have no other means of income. For the business, they have built six reservoirs with economic and technical support from non-governmental organizations — Ilamplus and Helmitas—working in the district.

The people farm fish in the commune and share the income every month among them for their livelihood. Doing so, they have managed to return loans taken before from lenders. The poor people save the income earned through labour since they can survive on the income they get from fish-farming. Some of them are even thinking of starting other businesses after having saved some enough money.

The Kamaiyas who manage to invest in fingerlings, their food and maintenance of the reservoirs within the commune said they feel happy about managing the fishery. They farm various species of fish including rohu, common carp and common silver carp. Since the fish sold while in the ponds, the Kamaiyas do not need to look for markets. There are 70 family members in 15 households depending on the fishery and each family earns around Rs 3,000 and more per month from this business.