Success Story: He left his job and started fish farming, earning lakhs of rupees annually
Success Story: Millions of farmers who want to transform their lives via innovation in agriculture find inspiration in the narrative of Kishan district farmer Muzaffar Kamal Saba, Bihar. With the technical support of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), farmer Muzaffar Kamal Saba—who left his job to pursue his dream of farming—started a fish farming enterprise. Saba has a degree in computer technology. He developed proficiency in pond design, fish selection, nutrition, and disease control under KVK’s tutelage.
Currently, he cultivates fish on 2 hectares to produce 150 quintals of fish yearly, yielding a revenue of around Rs 20 lakh. His accomplishments have also served as an inspiration to other village farmers.
First voyage: From Employment to Aquaculture
2011 saw Muzaffar Kamal Saba graduate from Maulana Azad College of Engineering with a degree in computer science. He began working in Bangalore after finishing his education, but he had a natural affinity for farming. Ultimately, in 2019, he made the decision to quit his work, go back to his hometown, and pursue a new career path in agriculture. Kamal’s greatest obstacle up to that point was that he needed to do something other than conventional farming in order to earn a respectable living and establish a social identity.
Membership in and Instruction from Krishi Vigyan Kendra
He thought about a lot of choices to do something new in the agricultural area and ultimately decided on fish farming. He was inexperienced in this profession nonetheless. In this circumstance, he began his Google search and discovered Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). He proceeded to Kishanganj, where there is a Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and talked with the specialists there. His life took on a new meaning after this encounter.
Kamal Saba visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s Bhagalpur fisheries section and received instruction in fish growing from the organization’s specialists. From there, he obtained comprehensive knowledge about fish farming, including crucial topics such pond building, site selection, fish feeding, disease control, marketing, and financial administration.
Fish Farming Success is the Product of Diligence and Direction
Despite the several obstacles at first, Kamal Saba persisted. With the help of specialists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, he built the pond and chose the appropriate fish species. He began raising catfish and Indian Major Carp (IMC).
Speaking with a media report, Kamal Saba said that he found selling IMC fish to be a viable alternative, given the high demand for the product in the Kishanganj market. One kilogram of IMC fish costs about Rs 80 to raise, and he sells them for between Rs 135 and Rs 150 per kg on his farm. In addition, the cost of raising catfish is Rs 70–75 per kilogram, which he then sells for Rs 100–105.
Utilizing a Biofloc Culture
Currently, Kamal Saba uses biofloc culture in addition to fish farming in ten ponds that are dispersed throughout a 2-hectare area. His fish farming firm is bringing in twice as much money as before. He now produces 150 quintals of fish annually, exceeding Rs 20 lakh, thanks to his perseverance and hard work.
Honors and Awards
Because of his achievements, Kamal Saba has received several important accolades. Bihar Agricultural University gave him the Outstanding Farmer Award, and the District Officer sent him a Commendation Letter for 2020–21 and 2021–22.
Impact on Society and Economy
Kamal’s success extends beyond his own accomplishments. Others in the community who are farmers have been motivated by his accomplishment. His tale has served as an inspiration for several farmers who have begun implementing fish farming and other alternative agricultural ventures. Many others have also been given job chances on his farm in addition to this.
Work Hard for Success
The life story of Kamal Saba demonstrates that farmers may generate a healthy income from non-traditional sources of income, such as other companies, provided they get the appropriate mentoring and technical assistance. Farmers may improve their revenue and innovate their conventional practices with Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s assistance.
Kamal Saba’s success story demonstrates that any farmer can accomplish his objectives and forge a new identity in society with perseverance, hard work, and the correct instruction.
