An inspiring journey from a simple farmer to a pioneer of fish farming

Arvind Kumar Singh, a resident of Gram Panchayat Tara Bahra, Tehsil Kelhari of the district, was an ordinary farmer. His life was also full of struggle and challenges like other rural farmers. It was not easy for Arvind, who made a living through limited resources and traditional farming means, to fulfill the needs of his family. Yet Arvind never gave up. He adopted a positive attitude at every turn of life and always tried to do something new. His will to live and confidence led him on a path that not only changed his life but also paved a new path for hundreds of farmers like him. Arvind Kumar Singh was born in an ordinary farmer family. His father was involved in farming, and farming was the main source of livelihood for his family. Like other members of his family, Arvind also started working in the fields since childhood. He worked hard in the fields with his family and learned traditional methods of growing crops. His family depended on meager income from farming, which often proved insufficient due to vagaries of weather, crop failure, and fluctuating market prices. Arvind realized that the income from traditional farming was not enough for his family, and he would have to look for an alternate income source. To improve his financial condition, Arvind started thinking about options other than traditional farming. He knew that doing something new in the field of agriculture would not be easy, but his determination and desire for a better future for his family kept pushing him to explore new paths.

Success was achieved in the first step towards fish farming

During this time, Arvind came to know about the fish farming schemes of the state. He realized that fish farming is a field in which good profits can be earned in less time and at low cost. He saw it as a new opportunity, which could not only improve his financial condition but also open a new path for other farmers like him. Arvind decided to take advantage of the state government schemes to give tangible shape to his idea of ​​fish farming. At that time, the Vishnudev Sai government of Chhattisgarh was running many incentive schemes to promote fish farming. From there, Arvind also shared his ideas with the local administration and agriculture officials, who understood his plans and assured him of cooperation. He was given a subsidy of Rs 70,000 by the government for the construction of Dabri (pond). Apart from this, he was also provided fish seeds (eggs) so that he could start the business of fish farming.

Arvind Kumar Singh expanded his fish farming efforts by building large ponds in 3 to 4 acres of land, called ‘dabari’ in the local language. In these ponds, he started rearing several varieties of fish, such as Katla, Rohu, Mrigal, Pangasius (catfish), Rupchanda, and Kari fish. He arranged for clean water, proper oxygen level, and proper food for the fish in the ponds. His hard work and dedication brought him quick success in fish farming. Arvind’s first success motivated him to build more ponds and move forward in the field of fish farming. He also learned new techniques of breeding and rearing of fish and successfully used them in his ponds.

Production and innovation of hatchlings

Arvind innovated not only in fish farming but also in the production of fish fry. He constructed five small ponds, which were specially designed for rearing fish fry. In these ponds, he successfully produced catfish (Pangasius) fry. This innovation brought him recognition not only in Chhattisgarh but in the entire region. Arvind was perhaps the first person in Chhattisgarh to adopt this technique. His success established him as a pioneer in the field of fish farming and inspired other farmers to take up fish farming.

Steps towards economic gain and self-reliance

Arvind’s fish farming business gained rapid success. Due to the good yield and high quality of fish in his ponds, he started selling the fish in the market. He said that he was earning an income of around Rs 5 to 6 lakh annually. This increase in his income not only helped in strengthening his financial condition but also helped in improving the living standards of his family. Now Arvind had enough money to meet his needs, and he also started focusing on the education and health of his children. Arvind was not only a businessman in the field of fish farming, but he was also aware of the nutritional and health benefits of fish. He said that Rupchanda fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for the proper functioning of the body. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the risk of heart diseases, control inflammation, and improve mental health. Additionally, Rupchanda fish is also a rich source of vitamin D, which helps in bone development and boosting immunity. Arvind said that fish is also rich in protein, which is essential for the development of bones, cartilage, skin, and muscles. He also tried to make his customers aware of these benefits of fish and encouraged them to consume fish.

Arvind Kumar Singh’s story is not just a success story of an individual, but it is a source of inspiration for an entire community. He showed that if hard work is done in the right direction and the benefits of government schemes are taken, any farmer can become financially self-reliant. His journey also proved that despite limited resources, if a person has passion and dedication, he can achieve extraordinary success. Today Arvind has become an inspiration not only for his family but also for the farmers of his village and entire Chhattisgarh. His success shows how an ordinary farmer can realize his dreams and bring a positive change to his family and society.