- Scientific fish farming, fish seed production and hatchery have increased sources of income, providing employment to more than 15 people.
Along with agriculture, activities like fisheries are playing an important role in strengthening the rural economy. An inspiring example is fish farmer Arvind Singh, resident of village Tarabahra of Manendragarh development block, who moved beyond traditional agriculture and adopted integrated fish farming and developed his farm into a multi-faceted livelihood center. Today, along with fisheries, activities like fish seed production, hatchery, pig and poultry farming are being carried out on his farm. From these, he is earning an annual income of approximately Rs 8 lakh or more, while more than 15 people are also getting direct and indirect employment.
- Limited income from agriculture showed a new path
Arvind Singh says that before starting fish farming, his income was mainly dependent on agriculture. When he did not get the expected profit as per the hard work and cost, he started looking for additional sources of income. During this time he adopted fish farming as a business and gradually developed his farm into an integrated fish farming model.
Today 5-6 nursery ponds, 2 brooder ponds and stocking ponds are operated on his farm. Initial rearing of fish seeds is done in nursery ponds, maintenance of breeding fish is done in brooder ponds and fish is reared in stocking ponds. This scientific system has made the production process more systematic and effective.
- Sources of increased income from hatchery and fish seed production
Arvind Singh’s farm also has its own fish hatchery, where fish seeds of various species are produced. Indian Major Carp (IMC), Exotic Carp and other species are reared here. Spinning facility of Pangasius fish is also available. Along with this, he has taken steps towards exploring new possibilities in fish production by trying cross breeding in Catla fish.
Special attention is also given to regular checking of water quality on the farm and necessary management for the health and growth of the fish. This has helped in improving both fish seed production and fish farming.
- Strengthened by the technical guidance of the Fisheries Department,
Arvind Singh has been continuously growing his business since 2022, taking advantage of the Fisheries Department’s various schemes and technical guidance. By staying in touch with departmental officials, he obtains necessary technical information on topics such as fish farming, seed production, hatchery operation, spawning and pond management.
Along with the support received under departmental schemes, he has also benefited from the net distribution scheme. By combining the assistance received from the schemes, technical information and his own experience, he transformed fish farming into a systematic business.
- Integrated Farming Became the Basis of Success
Arvind Singh’s success is based on the integrated fish farming model. He ensured better utilization of available resources by combining pig and poultry farming with fish farming. Using resources from one activity in another helped control production costs and develop multiple sources of income.
This model has transformed his farm beyond traditional farming into a multi-faceted agriculture and fisheries business. Currently, he earns more than Rs. 8 lakh annually from various farm activities.
- Arvind Singh’s success isn’t limited to his family. The farm’s various activities provide direct and indirect employment to over 15 people
This has increased local employment opportunities and sparked interest in fish-based businesses among rural youth and farmers.
- Now preparing to expand his farm,
Arvind Singh is now preparing to expand his farm further after his financial situation improved through fish farming. His goal is to produce larger quantities of fish seed, increase fish production, and expand local employment opportunities.
Arvind Singh’s success proves that through scientific thinking, modern technology, the proper use of available resources, and proper guidance, fisheries can be transformed into a sustainable and profitable business. His journey, which began with agriculture, has now become an example of economic self-reliance and rural employment through integrated fish farming. Conveying
his success, Arvind Singh says that if farmers adopt profitable activities like fisheries alongside traditional agriculture and utilize available resources scientifically, their income can be significantly increased. The Fisheries Department’s technical assistance and support through schemes are playing a vital role in giving farmers a new direction.
Arvind Singh’s farm in village Tara Bahra has emerged as an inspiring example of scientific fisheries, multi-faceted livelihoods, and rural employment generation.