Raipur: Sujeet Prajapati, a youth hailing from village Bharni falling under Bastar development block has earned lakhs from his fish farming business. After completing his polytechnic course in mechanical engineering, the 24-year-old man showed a keen interest in pisciculture. Simultaneously, he continued his BBA studies. The latest biofloc fish farming technique caught his attention and he started his own business three years ago with just three biofloc tanks.
Sharing his experience Sujeet, the son of a retired electrical lineman, said “It was not an easy ride. I faced a lot of difficulties in the initial days as the technology was completely new to me and I did not have any guidance. I even suffered losses in the first year. However, I kept my spirits up and didn’t lose hope, and continued my business with much more dedication. After gaining some experience in this field, I started seeing growth in this business from the second year.”
Seeing Sujeet’s interest in fish farming, the fisheries department also decided to provide him assistance. Following this, he started fish farming in seven biofloc tanks costing about Rs 7.50 lakhs. 40 per cent grant was given by the department, due to which he had to spend about Rs 4.50 lakh. Last year, he produced fish worth more than Rs 9 lakh using fish seeds worth Rs 40,000. After deducting all the input costs, he generated a net income of about Rs 4 lakh. He is rearing tilapia and pangasius fish species.
Now other farmers are also taking advantage of Sujeet’s experiences and are practicing fish farming under his guidance. Along with fish farming, now the youth is also planning to start the business of fodder production so that the fish farmers of the area do not have to depend on other areas for fish fodder.
Sujeet gave credit to his parents and brother along with the fisheries department for his success. “Despite the initial failure of the business, his parents and brother always got his back and helped him to stay motivated. This is a profitable business due to rapid growth in this sector”, he said.
