Modernization Aquaculture Development in Nepal 

The Matsya Project, focused on enhancing

sustainable aquaculture and fisheries

management in Nepal, would make

significant progress in improving

livelihoods, increasing fish production, and

promoting environmental sustainability in

Bara, Rautahat, and Sarlahi districts.

However, the project faced an unexpected

termination, halting planned activities due

to restriction in the budget of the Project.

Actually, the project has been signed on 4th

April 2025 and terminated on 30th May,

2025, having only 30 days to work on the implementation of the project activities. Below is a

summary of key management and administrative updates for the reporting period, including

achievements, challenges, and planned actions that were stopped.

Major achievements:

 Completed data verification and validation for 1,324 fish farmers across Bara, Rautahat,

and Sarlahi districts, ensuring accurate beneficiary records.

 Conducted data collection on fish stocking of 401 fish farmers, improving monitoring of

production activities.

 Formed 36 fish farmer groups and conducted 34 Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)

sessions across 7 local levels (6 municipalities and 1 rural municipality) to enhance

community engagement.

 Strengthened project oversight through regular field visits and monthly project

management team meetings, incorporating stakeholder and vendor discussions.

 Improved coordination with government agencies and local communities, building trust

in the project’s objectives at the grassroots level.

 Project orientation was conducted at Simara, from 18 to 20th of March to provide the glimpse of

the MATSYA project objective and goals to all members of this project specially focused for AS,

AFC, and AFF

JJYC Annual Report 2081-2082 ToT on aquaculture was held at Janakpur from 6 to 10th of April by the LWR team to tarin AS,

AFC along with government officials from NARC, PMAMP, and CFPCC on how and what to

deliver during training session on aquaculture.

Issues and Challenges:

 Community Resistance: Resistance from some communities due to limited awareness of

aquaculture’s long-term benefits, slowing adoption rates.

 Technical Knowledge Gaps: Lack of technical expertise among farmers led to abrupt

water quality changes, fish mortality, poor-quality feed, inadequate treatment, and low

awareness of modern aquaculture technologies.

 Project Termination: Sudden termination of the project disrupted all planned activities,

including training, technical support, and infrastructure development, leaving unresolved

challenges.

Lesson learned :

 Early engagement and trust-building are essential for group formation

 Potential need for incentives (non-monetary) to encourage farmer participation in meetings

and group formation.