Nand Kishore Ram, Minister for Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources, Government of Bihar, inaugurated Fishers Cart in Patna on May 13, 2026. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By A Correspondent
Patna: The Bihar State Cooperative Fisheries Federation (Coffed) on Wednesday inaugurated the ‘Fishers Cart’ mobile fish kiosk in a ceremonious event held in a dignified atmosphere. The programme witnessed the presence of several eminent guests associated with the fisheries sector, cooperatives, entrepreneurship and skill development.
The initiative has emerged as a symbol of hope and self-reliance for Bihar’s fishing community, youth and budding entrepreneurs. Developed with modern technology, hygiene standards and a “fresh fish to consumer” model, the Fishers Cart aims to provide an organised market for fish products in the state while enhancing the incomes of fishermen.
The kiosk was formally inaugurated by Nand Kishore Ram, Minister for Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources, Government of Bihar, through the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and ribbon-cutting. Representatives from various departments and institutions were also present on the occasion.
During the event, the Minister and other dignitaries flagged off the Fishers Cart mobile kiosk, marking its official rollout. The initiative received an enthusiastic response, with attendees welcoming it with applause.
With the flag-off, the Fishers Cart has ushered in a new chapter in mobile fish marketing and doorstep delivery of fresh fish in Bihar. The initiative is expected to directly connect fishermen with consumers, reduce the role of intermediaries and ensure the availability of quality fish products.
Addressing the gathering, Ram said the state government remains fully committed to the social and economic upliftment of the fishing community. He noted that organisations like Coffed serve as a strong link between the government and fishermen.
He added that such modern initiatives would ensure better returns for fishermen while providing the public with clean, fresh and high-quality fish. The model is also expected to open new avenues of self-employment and start-ups for youth. The government, he said, is continuously implementing schemes in fish production, processing, cold chain, marketing and value addition, with the aim of positioning Bihar among the leading states in fisheries and modern fish marketing.
Describing the initiative as more than just a mobile kiosk, the Minister said it symbolises the hard work, confidence and economic empowerment of Bihar’s fishermen. He also announced that the government would facilitate space for smooth operation and expand the model across districts in the future.
Former Cabinet Minister Hari Sahni termed the Fishers Cart a fine example of rural economy development, water resource-based entrepreneurship and modern marketing systems. He emphasised the immense potential of the fisheries sector in Bihar and said integrating technology, training and marketing could bring transformative change in the lives of lakhs of fishermen.
Coffed Managing Director Rishikesh Kashyap said the Fishers Cart represents the aspirations and confidence of Bihar’s fishermen. He stated that the organisation’s objective goes beyond trade, focusing on economic empowerment, employment generation and establishing Bihar’s fish products at national and international levels.
He informed that Coffed currently works with around 880 cooperative societies and nearly 1.6 million member fishermen, and is actively engaged in modern fish marketing, makhana, value-added products, insurance, training and exports.
Through the Fishers Cart, consumers will have access to fresh fish, marinated fish, ready-to-cook products and speciality fish items directly at their doorstep. This, he said, will reduce the role of middlemen and increase profits for fishermen.
He further stated that Coffed plans to expand the Fishers Cart model across various districts and develop it into a national-level brand. Urging youth to view fisheries as a modern start-up and business opportunity, he said the initiative would write a new chapter in mobile fish retailing in Bihar.
Coffed’s vision, he added, is centred on “Healthy Life, Prosperous Community, Prosperous Bihar”, and the organisation remains committed to this goal. Under the ‘Fishers’ brand, a range of products including raw fish, marinated fish, ready-to-cook items, fish rolls, fish pakoras and speciality items will be made available, with the tagline “The Taste of Fresh Catch”.
The programme was attended by Coffed Director Simran, Fishers Cart operator Rishu Raj, Ratnesh Kumar and several officials including Ravi Raj, Gopi Kumar, Munawwar Ali, Pramod Kumar, Monu Kumar, Rahul Kumar, Rani Devi and Vibhuti Bhushan Prasad. Officials from various departments, cooperative representatives, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, youth and a large number of citizens were also present. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Coffed team.
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