Success Story: This farmer of Bihar earned huge profits from fish farming and seed production and achieved great success
Success Story: A forward-thinking farmer from Kishanganj, Bihar, Vikas Kumar Jha, 41, is reimagining agriculture’s future by fusing technology and tradition. Vikas started his career in the IT industry with a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) degree and worked in the city for a number of years. But he was unsatisfied by the metropolitan grind. He bravely chose to quit his corporate position and go back to his roots because he wanted to make a significant difference for his family and community.
Vikas set out to revolutionise farming in his area because he firmly believed that agriculture could be both sustainable and successful when addressed with creativity and strategy.
Starting with Conventional Farming and Confronting the Shocking Truth
Vikas has 35 bighas of land. He began planting maize and paddy on his 35-bigha family property. But these traditional crops produced an unexpectedly low yield. The family’s daily costs could not be met with the amount received. He discovered that traditional agricultural practices were insufficient in the current economic climate as he battled to make ends meet.
A Fresh Start: Vikas Uncovers Fish Farming’s Potential
The pivotal moment came when Vikas took part in an awareness campaign run by his village’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). He learnt about fish farming and its potential for small and medium-sized farmers via the programme. The technical aspects of fish farming, including pond preparation, fish selection, feeding, disease control, and market demand, were covered by the KVK specialists. Vikas was very impressed and proceeded with aquaculture, something he had never considered before.
Overcoming Early Obstacles with Willpower
Launching a new business was not an easy undertaking. Building ponds, selecting fish breeds, and understanding the technical aspects of fish production presented a number of difficulties for Vikas. He didn’t lose heart, however. He constructed scientifically planned ponds with sufficient depth, breadth, and water quality under the ongoing guidance of KVK experts. To encourage the healthy development of fish, he adopted their recommendations for illness prevention and water management.
Creating a Successful Fish Farming Enterprise
Vikas used perseverance and hard effort to gradually diversify his fish farm company. He now owns ten bighas of land with ten well-stocked ponds. Amur Carp, Jayanti Rohu, Grass Carp, Silver Carp, Mrigal, and CatFish are among the many excellent fish species he breeds. He is particularly concerned with disease control, feeding practices, and water quality.
In order to offer a balanced diet, he uses dust feed, floating feed, and homemade feed. He quickly gets in touch with KVK specialists for rapid assistance if the fish exhibit symptoms of disease.
The results have been outstanding. Vikas’s annual income from fish farming alone is between Rs 8 and Rs 10 lakh. His fish are highly sought after in the market due to their reputation for excellence.
Increasing Revenue by Diversifying into Fish Seed Production
Vikas wasn’t content with only raising fish, so he started making fish seeds. Twice a year, he produces premium fish seed, which is becoming more and more sought after by other local fish growers. He clarified that even though the cycle’s input costs around Rs. 2 lakh, the profit may reach Rs. 5 lakh.
He makes an additional Rs. 10 lakh a year as a result. Today, one of the main foundations of his company that is giving him notoriety and profits is the manufacture of fish seed.
Growing Bananas and Diversifying Farms
In addition to aquaculture, Vikas farmed bananas on a section of his property. Because of the rich soil and favourable environment in his region, bananas may be grown, adding to his income. By diversifying his crops, he has ensured that his farm is robust and productive throughout the year.
Support from Krishi Vigyan Kendra: A Crucial Factor
Much of Vikas Kumar Jha’s achievement may be attributed to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra. From field trips and technical assistance to training and awareness campaigns, the KVK team was at his side the whole time. They gave him lessons in seed production, disease control, fish species selection, and pond maintenance. His farm remained prosperous, productive, and healthy thanks to their technological support.
An Inspirational Source for the Community
In addition to being a prosperous farmer now, Vikas serves as an inspiration and guide to others. He is visited by farmers from nearby communities who learn how to produce crops and raise fish. Some of them have been inspired to abandon marginal farming, which is not very profitable, and switch to innovative aquaculture methods. Vikas makes a special effort to educate people and encourage them to take advantage of government programmes and training possibilities.
The success story of Vikas Kumar Jha demonstrates how creativity and willpower can change people’s lives. His transition from IT to aquaculture encourages many farmers to adopt contemporary methods and have great dreams. In addition to raising fish, he is fostering hope, dignity, and a better future for rural people by leading with vision.
