Belagavi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised a young farmer from Belagavi, Raju Shivalingappa Huddar, during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, highlighting his success in fish farming as an example of innovation in agriculture.
For more details : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/pm-modi-lauds-belagavi-farmers-success-in-rearing-fish/articleshow/129885031.cms
Raju, 27, from Bodakyanatti village in Belagavi taluk, has emerged as a successful entrepreneur by adopting modern aquaculture techniques, particularly biofloc technology, to rear murrel (snakehead) fish. An arts graduate, he initially aspired to join the Army but turned to self-employment after not securing a position.
Determined to pursue something innovative, Raju dedicated one acre of his family’s four-acre landholding to fish farming in 2023-24. With support from his family, he established four scientifically designed ponds and sourced fish seed from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. He also spent nearly a year visiting multiple centres across Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to gain practical knowledge and training.
The project required an investment of around ₹31 lakh, covering pond construction, fish seed, feed and medicines, with financial assistance from social worker Shivanand Neelannavar.
Raju’s efforts quickly paid off. Within eight months, his first harvest generated revenue of ₹25 lakh, followed by ₹22 lakh from the second batch. He expects even better returns in the upcoming cycle. With infrastructure in place, ongoing costs remain limited, while daily operations mainly involve feeding the fish.
The farm has attracted traders, especially from Hyderabad, who directly procure the fish, ensuring prompt payments. Murrel fish continues to see strong demand in northern markets, fetching between ₹250 and ₹320 per kg.
Fisheries department officials have praised Raju’s achievement, calling it a model for sustainable and profitable farming and an inspiration for rural youth to adopt modern agricultural practices.
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