PM Modi Spotlights Innovative Fish Farmer in Mann Ki Baat Address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address on Sunday, commended a young farmer from Belagavi for his remarkable achievements in modern fish farming. The Prime Minister presented this success story as a powerful example of how agricultural innovation can substantially increase income and serve as an inspiration for rural youth across India.
From Arts Graduate to Aquaculture Entrepreneur
The farmer recognized by the Prime Minister is Raju Shivalingappa Huddar, a 27-year-old resident of Bodakyanatti village in Belagavi taluk. Originally an arts graduate with aspirations to join the Indian Army, Raju pivoted to entrepreneurship after facing setbacks in his military ambitions. After carefully considering various options including dairy farming, he ultimately chose aquaculture as his path forward.
"I was determined to pursue something innovative and impactful," Raju explained. "In the 2023-24 period, I made the decision to dedicate one acre from our family's four-acre landholding specifically for fish farming. I received tremendous support from my father and brother in this venture."
Scientific Approach and Substantial Investment
Before launching his enterprise, Raju committed himself to extensive learning of scientific aquaculture methods. He established four meticulously designed ponds and sourced high-quality fish seed from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. To build his expertise, he invested nearly a year visiting multiple training centers across Tumakuru, Mandya, Vijayapura, Hyderabad, and Vijayawada, gaining comprehensive hands-on training in contemporary fish farming techniques.
The project required a significant investment of approximately Rs 31 lakh, covering expenses for pond construction, fish seed acquisition, specialized feed, and necessary medicines. Financial support from social worker Shivanand Neelannavar played a crucial role in making this ambitious project viable.
Biofloc Technology and Impressive Returns
Raju's success is particularly notable for his adoption of biofloc technology, an advanced method for cultivating murrel (snakehead) fish. This sustainable approach has yielded impressive financial results:
- The first harvest, achieved within just eight months, generated revenue of Rs 25 lakh
- The second batch produced returns of Rs 22 lakh
- Even higher returns are anticipated from the ongoing third production cycle
Raju noted that once the initial infrastructure is established, operational costs become relatively manageable, primarily limited to essentials like seed procurement, feed, and routine maintenance. Daily responsibilities are streamlined, with the main task being feeding the fish three times daily.
Strong Market Demand and Recognition
The murrel fish cultivated through Raju's biofloc system continues to experience robust demand in northern markets, commanding prices between Rs 250 and Rs 320 per kilogram, depending on size. Traders, particularly from Hyderabad, visit the farm directly to procure the produce, ensuring prompt payment and eliminating middlemen.
Officials from the fisheries department have formally appreciated Raju's innovative work, describing him as an exemplary model for other farmers in the region to adopt similarly sustainable and profitable agricultural practices. His story demonstrates how traditional farming communities can successfully integrate modern technology to create thriving enterprises.
