Success Story: This farmer from Gujarat brought revolution in shrimp farming, know his inspiring journey
Success Story: Born in Nanded, Maharashtra, Dr. Manoj M. Sharma first wanted to become a doctor or an IAS official. He aspired to become a doctor, much like many of his contemporaries in the 1990s. But a string of defeats and financial difficulties led him in a different way. Dr. Manoj did not allow the mere fact that he was just 2% away from being accepted into medical college to deter him. He studied business for a year before turning to science, especially aquaculture, since he was becoming more and more interested in fisheries.
His unwavering commitment and persistence paid off when he passed the ICAR CIFE entrance test and was accepted into the Masters in Aquaculture Management program. He then passed the ARSB Associate Professor test in 2007, however he chose not to accept the appointment. His career took a dramatic shift with this milestone, which paved the way for his eventual noteworthy contributions to the aquaculture and fisheries industries and his esteemed position on the UPSC board.
Early Interest in Aquatic Life
Since his early years, Dr. Manoj has been captivated by aquatic life. He would often spend hours staring at fish in glass jars as his desire to work in the fishing industry grew. After earning a Fisheries degree from Science College in Nanded, he went on to the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) in Mumbai to get a Master’s degree, which prepared him for a career in aquaculture.
Journey to Gujarat: A Watershed
When Dr. Manoj relocated to Gujarat in 1994, his life took a dramatic shift. Since shrimp farming was still relatively new in the area, he saw a chance to revolutionize the sector. Shrimp cultivation was not common in Gujarat, despite the state’s reputation for economic savvy and its mostly vegetarian populace. Dr. Manoj seized the chance to establish a prosperous seafood sector by starting to grow on inexpensive land provided by nearby farmers.
Gujarat’s Shrimp Farming Revolution
Dr. Manoj worked tirelessly to turn salt-encrusted wastelands into profitable fields by introducing innovative shrimp-growing methods. His creative concepts for raising brackish-water shrimp and big freshwater prawns were well received and quickly spread across Gujarat. His efforts include being one of the founding members of the Surat Aquaculture Farmers Association (SAFA), which encouraged farmers to work together and support sustainable farming methods.
Dr. Manoj came to Olpad, Gujarat, with the intention of transforming the area of shrimp farming. He popularized the idea of raising large freshwater prawns and later brackish-water shrimp. His initiatives gave the area hope and wealth by converting the desolate wastelands of Dandi, Gujarat, into successful shrimp farms.
Establishing an Aquaculture Empire
With merely 4 hectares of land, Dr. Manoj established Mayank Aquaculture Private Limited (MAPL) in 2005. With its current 400-hectare expansion, MAPL produces around 1,000 tons of premium shrimp a year. The sector has been further bolstered by his launch of “VIVALINE,” a range of aquaculture products aimed at preventing illness.
With an annual revenue of 75 to 100 crores, Dr. Manoj is still at the forefront of transforming the shrimp farming sector today, demonstrating that the potential is endless with persistence and creativity.
International Acclaim and Accomplishments
Dr. Manoj’s work has received praise from all around the world, and he has received many honors for his outstanding contributions to the seafood sector, including:
- FAO GLOBEFISH invited me to speak at an event in Barcelona.
- recipient of the National Fisheries Development Board’s (NFDB) 2018 “Best BW Shrimp/Fish Farmer-Coastal States” award in Hyderabad.
- won the 2014 India SME Forum’s coveted “India’s Small Giants” award.
- given in 2014–15 for “Leadership in Fisheries & Aquaculture” by the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR).
- On July 8, 2005, the Central Institute of Fisheries Education in Mumbai presented the BEST FISH FARMER AWARD.
- received the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s 2020 Agrivision Award for exceptional achievements in shrimp farming.
- The National Fisheries Development Board of the Government of India awarded the 2021 Best Technology Infusion/Innovation award.
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s Indian Agricultural Research Institute is the recipient of the 2023 ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute Innovative Farmer Award.
- For his exceptional achievements in shrimp farming worldwide, the World Aquaculture Society presented him with the Global Industry Impact award in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2024.
Innovations and Difficulties
Dr. Manoj encountered difficulties along the way, including rising manufacturing costs and illness outbreaks. In order to improve sustainability and profitability, he responded by using cutting-edge techniques including short culture cycles and multiphase indoor rearing. In addition to raising output, these programs have given impoverished farmers new options.
Effects on the Community
Thousands of lives have been changed by Dr. Manoj’s initiatives, which have also increased job possibilities and boosted the economy in coastal areas. His achievement in reviving the shrimp sector has encouraged aquaculture methods among a new generation of farming families.
Prospects for the Future
In an effort to lessen dependency on exports, Dr. Manoj is well-positioned to capitalize on the potential of the home market. His pesco-vegetarian restaurant, “Zhingalala,” focuses on raising awareness about sustainably farmed seafood in India while serving a wide variety of meals made with farm-raised shrimp. Beyond farming, Dr. Manoj hopes to support coastal communities’ long-term economic well-being by promoting sustainability and regional economic development.
Dr. Sharma’s rise from modest beginnings to prominence in the shrimp farming industry is a testament to his diligence, commitment, and inspiring leadership. His narrative inspires people to follow their aspirations and support the expansion of sustainable aquaculture.
