Belagavi, 29 Mar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded a farmer here for his success in fish farming during his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, citing it as an example of how innovation in agriculture can boost incomes and inspire rural youth.

The farmer, Raju Shivalingappa Huddar (27) from Bodakyanatti village in Belagavi taluk, has emerged as a successful entrepreneur by adopting modern fish farming practices, particularly biofloc technology, to cultivate murrel (snakehead) fish.

An arts graduate, Raju had initially aspired to join the Army but turned to self-employment after failing to secure a position.

After evaluating options such as dairy farming, he chose aquaculture and committed himself to learning scientific methods before setting up his enterprise.

“I wanted to do something innovative. In 2023–24, I decided to utilise one acre of our four-acre landholding for fish farming. My father and brother supported me,” Raju told PTI.

He established four scientifically designed ponds and sourced fish seed from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. To build expertise, he spent nearly a year visiting centres in Tumakuru, Mandya, Vijayapura, Hyderabad and Vijayawada, gaining hands-on training in fish farming techniques.

The project involved an investment of about Rs 31 lakh towards pond construction, fish seed, feed and medicines, with financial support from social worker Shivanand Neelannavar.

Within eight months, the first harvest generated revenue of Rs 25 lakh, followed by Rs 22 lakh from the second batch, while higher returns are expected from the third cycle.

Raju said that once the initial infrastructure is established, operational costs remain limited to essentials such as seed, feed and maintenance, with daily work largely confined to feeding the fish three times.

Traders, particularly from Hyderabad, visit the farm directly to procure the produce, ensuring immediate payment. Murrel fish continues to witness strong demand in northern markets, fetching between Rs 250 and Rs 320 per kilogram, depending on size.

The farm is equipped with aerators to maintain oxygen levels, bird nets for protection, a pipeline system linked to a nearby reservoir for water supply, and CCTV surveillance for security.

Emphasising scientific management, Raju said maintaining water quality parameters, including pH, is crucial, adding that measures such as periodic water exchange, use of probiotics and timely medication help prevent diseases like fungal infections and white spot.

His father, Shivalingappa Huddar, said the initiative has significantly improved the family’s financial condition. “We are now financially stable and even building a new house,” he said.

Officials from the Fisheries Department have appreciated Raju’s work, describing him as a model for other farmers in the region to adopt sustainable and profitable practices.