Since 1980s many schemes have been implemented by Government of India in view of the Freshwater Aquaculture Development. Freshwater Fish Culture Development Agency was playing a vital role in Freshwater Aquaculture Development among small and marginal farmers. The quantum of subsidy was a motivational factor for the fish farmers to sustain the enterprise. In this line the National Mission for Protein Supplement programme implemented during 2012-2013 and consequent replication of the same scheme through National Agriculture Development Programme in Cauvery Delta Region had a impact in total value chain of the Freshwater Fish Culture. For achieving better growth rate and development of aquaculture sector, there is need for integration of various production oriented activities such as production of quality fish seeds, quality fish feed, availability of technology, post harvest processing and marketing facilities in close vicinity where commercial aquaculture is undertaken by farmers. Cluster farming approach by forming groups among farmers is encouraged to adopt good and advanced aquaculture practices in hatchery and farming through this scheme. The State fisheries departments would be the nodal agencies for the implementation of the project.
This integrated approach of aquaculture system through cluster farming seeks to incorporate the backward and forward linkages such as (i) Hatchery (ii) Nursery (iii) Rearing Ponds (iv) Culture Ponds (v) Inputs (vi) Feed Mill (vii) Marketing Infrastructure etc. The quantum of subsidy and the Integrated Aquaculture Approach was a major factor to achieve the success through this scheme in Cauvery Delta Region.