Bhrikuti Community Learning Centre (BCLC), a UMN partner in Rupandehi, has been working closely with a poor community in starting a fish farm for the last year. This community-based fishery project belongs to 276 households that live around the lake and is managed by a committee in the village.
The first harvest from this lake took place on 24 January, 2011. The fish were plenty and healthy and were sold to many fish buyers from the markets nearby. The sale was close to NPR 17,000 (US$ 232) on the first day of the harvest.
Fifty percent of the total income will be put back into cleaning the lake, buying new fingerlings, and managing the fish nursery for the harvest next year. They plan to add more money to the other fifty percent with the income next year, to start a fund for the community to access for loans and other village development projects.
The first harvest, which went on for three days was a success. The villagers are very happy and encouraged and hope to work harder for a bigger sale next year.