Fish Seed Production: Farmer Rayatu Ram Writes a New Success Story

Fish seed production: Farmer Rayatu Ram writes a new success story. A farmer from Bastar earned 30,000 rupees in two months, increased income and self-reliance through fish farming. Government schemes provided assistance and a new identity, now preparing to expand the business. Raipur – Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, various schemes to promote agriculture and related sectors are being utilized, enabling farmers in the state to increase their earnings through innovations. In this context, progressive farmer Rayatu Ram of Sivni (Hirlabhata) village, Bastar district, has adopted fish seed (spawn) production, presenting a new example of self-reliance. In a short time he earned higher income, proving that with modern technology and departmental guidance, fish farming can become a lucrative livelihood for farmers. From one acre pond in two months he earned 30,000 rupees. Rayatu Ram started fish seed production on about one acre of his total five acres of agricultural land. He said that about 30 packets of spawn were introduced in the pond this season. To date he has sold roughly 60 kilograms of fish seed at 500 rupees per kilogram, earning 30,000 rupees. The pond still holds 40-50 kilograms of fish seed, which he expects to sell for an additional 20-25 thousand rupees. After struggle came success. He explained that initially he faced many challenges: unwanted fish like tilapia in the pond, lack of aerators, and insufficient technical knowledge prevented expected success. This time he cleaned the pond scientifically, arranged timely feed and water, and followed the fishery department’s technical guidance, resulting in notable success in fish seed production. Now preparing to expand the business. Encouraged by this season’s success, Rayatu Ram plans to create another pond on his farm to expand fish seed production. He says that if market demand for seed and departmental support continue as they have, he will develop the business on a larger scale, increasing his income further and making quality fish seed readily available to nearby farmers. Inspiration for other fish farmers. Under the fishery department’s spawn development scheme, villagers Manaki Baghel, Daymati Baghel and Jaggu Maurya have also benefited, earning extra income through fish seed production. Their success has increased interest in fish farming in the region, turning the activity into an effective means of income enhancement for rural communities.