West Bengal is one of the largest states which has the highest concentration of tribal population in the country. The concentration of tribal population is very high in rural areas especially in mountain and forest zones when compared to urban areas. Nature here comes forward and joins hands with tribal to fulfil their needs fashioned of course in their way depending on their customs, traditions, demographic structures etc. The socio-economic structure in tribal communities is markedly different from that of the non-tribals. They have a very simple technology which fits well within their ecological surroundings and conservative outlook. Moreover, their economy can be termed as subsistence type. The concept of livelihoods has become increasingly popular in development thinking as a way of conceptualizing economic activities in their totalities. Livelihoods are the means people use to support themselves, survive and prosper, which are shaped by the broader environment in which they live and other factors like economic and cultural systems. For the economic upliftment of tribal people through the operation of pisciculture, the scheme “Composite Fish Culture (IMC) with supply of pisciculture accessories” has been formulated by the Fisheries Department. The main objective of the scheme is Training the tribal people on pisciculture, Community development of tribal people through pisciculture and allied activities in a cluster approach and aid during their financial crisis.

Assistance under this scheme has been provided in terms of Carp (IMC) Fingerlings (10-12 cm size) @ 9000 no/ha (no. of fingerling should not be more than 45-50 per kg), Lime (Calcium oxide), Process floating pelleted fish feed as Government Contribution. Beneficiary contributions are Pond Preparation, Inorganic fertiliser SSP, Raw Cow Dung Lump sum amount, Processed floating pelleted fish feed, Prophylactics & Medicine, Labour Charges with periodical netting and harvesting expenses lump sum amount. The unit area of the Scheme is 1.0 bigha. The ideal season for stocking fish under this scheme is June -July.

• Government assistance is of Rs. 27950.00. Fish seed, lime and 50% of total requirement of feed is provided under this scheme.