A Kerala lady oversees a 50,000-liter tank and transforms her childhood passion of fish breeding into a lucrative job

Rethi Kumari’s Inspiring Journey in Ornamental Fish Breeding: Rethi Kumari, who lives in the Alappuzha region of Kerala and is a resident of Onattukara, has a wonderful story that perfectly captures her undying passion and commitment for ornamental fish breeding. Her noteworthy contributions to the area are highlighted by her commendation by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on Women’s Day in March 2024, demonstrating her dedication and accomplishments.

Rethi was a chemistry teacher for fifteen years until she decided to leave the field in 2017 due to family responsibilities. She made the decision to pursue her longtime love of fish farming at this point since it had always piqued her interest, even while she was a teacher.

From Aquatic Enthusiast to Expert in Fish Farming:

It was a risk for Rethi to go from being a teacher to a professional fish grower. This change was well-founded in her early passion for aquariums and decorative fish. From little freezing boxes to a dedicated fish tank, she upgraded her passion for raising guppy fish in 2019 and made a booming career out of it. Her business adventure began when neighbors started approaching her for breeding because of her increasing reputation. With breeds including koi carp, angelfish, cichlid, Siamese fighting, and guppy fish in her portfolio, Rethi’s path was both gratifying and difficult, and CMFRI provided invaluable assistance and direction.

The Craft of Education and Information Development:

Rethi participated in training programs at the Kerala Institute for Entrepreneurship Development (KIED) and the National Fisheries Development Board’s (NFDB)-sponsored Entrepreneurship Development Programme in the Aquaculture and Fisheries Sector in 2022 to broaden her knowledge and skill set. She gained valuable skills and market knowledge from these classes, giving her the confidence to pursue fish farming.

Support from the Government for Project Expansion:

Rethi’s growth was further spurred by obtaining government backing via initiatives like the Medium Scale Ornamental Fish Rearing Unit and subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Her achievement and commitment are shown by her being recognized as an exceptional fisheries entrepreneur in 2024 and her awards, which include the Best Ornamental Fisheries Entrepreneur of 2024.

Revealing the Mechanisms of Current Projects:

With a large 50,000-liter tank that is now in use, Rethi’s farm, “Dear Guppy,” demonstrates her rate of development. Rethi prioritizes courier services and wholesale trade to reach consumers in Kerala and Karnataka. She also uses cutting-edge technology, like biofilters for water recycling, and focuses on choosing disease-resistant fish breeds. Her yearly income of around Rs 5 lakh is indicative of her strong business sense and tactical approach.

Crucial Advice for Future Fish Farmers:

Rethi emphasizes the need for training, keeping an eye on water quality, and promptly managing diseases for prospective fish farmers as essential components of a successful fish farming enterprise. Her transformation from a teacher to a well-known ornamental fish farmer represents tenacity, enthusiasm, and an unwavering pursuit of aspirations, encouraging people to follow in her footsteps by facing obstacles head-on and actively pursuing information.