Giridih, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : Suman Kumar, a young fish entrepreneur from the Bengabad block in Giridih district, Jharkhand, has rewritten his success story through the Prime Minister’s Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). With 32 ponds at his disposal, he produces between 100 and 150 tons of fish annually, providing direct employment to 30 to 40 local residents.
After completing his studies in fisheries and agriculture in Israel, Suman returned to his village to leverage modern techniques for large-scale fish farming. His venture has not only thrived but also created jobs for many locals.
Suman began his fish farming journey with just eight ponds, yielding around 45 to 50 tons of fish in his first year. Through scientific management and hard work, he has expanded his operations to 32 ponds, now producing up to 150 tons of fish each year.
His ponds primarily cultivate various species, including Rohu and Catla. The fish are supplied to markets not only in Giridih but also across different districts in Jharkhand and various markets in Bihar, enhancing his recognition in both local and out-of-state markets.
Suman explained that different fish species have varying market prices, with Rohu and Catla fetching wholesale rates of approximately ₹180 to ₹200 per kilogram. By employing scientific methods in fish farming, he has achieved profits of around 50 to 60 percent.
The expansion of his fish farming has also increased local employment opportunities. Around 30 to 40 local individuals are now engaged in various tasks, such as pond maintenance, feeding, fishing, and transportation.
In an interview, Suman mentioned that he applied for the PMMSY benefits at the district fisheries office. Following his application, he received support particularly for hatchery construction. He expressed gratitude for the scheme, stating, “Today, both I and local farmers are benefiting. The Prime Minister’s Matsya Sampada Yojana is highly advantageous for us, and the DFO and fisheries officers here have been very supportive.”
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