Beyond the Traditional Boundaries of Soil and Water: How Abhilash Created a New Success Story with Innovation in Fish Farming

Traditional Boundaries of Soil and Water: Young farmers from villages are now moving beyond the traditional methods of farming and embracing innovations, which is not only increasing their income but also sparking a new revolution in the country’s agricultural sector. One such inspiring story is that of Abhilash Pandey, who has set a new benchmark in fish farming through his unique experiments and hard work. Let’s explore how Abhilash chose fish farming, struggled in this field, and how today he is recognized as a successful farmer.

The Decision to Choose Fish Farming 

Abhilash Pandey stepped away from conventional farming methods and ventured into fish farming. His village is located in the Gorakhpur district, where, after trying various other farming methods, he finally chose fish farming as his primary business. He has about 6 bighas of land, which is approximately 1.5 acres, taken on a 10-year government lease.

Abhilash chose fish farming because it is a business that can yield good returns with minimal water and limited resources. Initially, he had limited means, but gradually, by integrating modern technology with traditional knowledge, he made his business a success.

Innovations in Fish Farming: Experimentation with Banana Trees 

To ensure success in fish farming, Abhilash adopted a scientific approach along with traditional methods. He believes that the right proportion of food and pond quality is crucial for the health and growth of fish. He used cow dung manure, banana trees, and banana peels in his pond, which significantly boosted the growth of the fish.

Additionally, he started using banana sap in the pond. He shares, “The banana sap helps the fish digest food quickly, which enhances their growth. It is beneficial for their digestive system and keeps them healthier.”

Fusion of Tradition and Modernity: Using Cow Dung Manure with a Scientific Perspective 

Abhilash’s pond, which is on a 10-year lease, sees the addition of new fish varieties every year. He incorporated a mixture of cow dung manure, banana trees, and lime in the pond’s soil. He explains, “This mixture makes the pond soil fertile, which provides nutrition to the fish and maintains the quality of water.” By blending traditional techniques prevalent in the village with modern technology, he created an environment where fish could thrive rapidly.

Strategy to Reach the Market: Direct Contact with Customers 

Abhilash initially established direct contact with local markets and customers to sell his produce. When he started, there were no mobile phones or internet facilities in the village. During that time, he used to speak to customers using a public telephone booth (PCO), inserting coins one by one.

He shares, “We would wake up at 4 a.m. every day, take the fish to markets in Mumbai and other big cities. Back then, building a customer network wasn’t easy, but we kept working hard and never gave up.”

Today, with internet and mobile facilities, things have become much easier. He now maintains direct contact with customers and delivers fish directly to their homes, which has increased the demand for his products.

Use of New Technologies: Application of Drones and Latest Equipment 

Abhilash is not solely dependent on traditional methods; he has adeptly utilized modern technologies as well. He uses drone technology for monitoring his pond and spraying pesticides.

He was the first to use drones in banana farming in Gujarat, which inspired hundreds of farmers to adopt the technology. His experiment spread like wildfire across the state, and today, many farmers in Gujarat use this technology for their crops.

Inspiration for the Farmer’s Honour Award 

Abhilash believes that the Farmer’s Honour Award should be given to those farmers who have not only succeeded through hard work but have also inspired other farmers with their knowledge and experience.

According to him, “People in villages often lack information about new technologies and government schemes. I have shown how one can increase income and become self-reliant by using a combination of traditional knowledge and modern techniques.”

Facing Challenges: Overcoming Obstacles on the Path to Success 

Abhilash faced numerous challenges during his journey in fish farming. Maintaining the pond’s cleanliness, ensuring water quality, and providing the right nutrition to the fish – all these aspects are crucial, where even a small mistake could lead to significant losses.

It is essential to maintain the right depth and width of the pond so that the fish can grow properly. He tackled these challenges by continuously improving the pond’s design and fish rearing methods.

Abhilash’s Life: A Lesson for Every Farmer 

Abhilash Pandey’s story teaches us that hard work, experimentation, and efforts in the right direction always lead to success. He has created a new identity in the field of fish farming by combining his traditional knowledge with modern techniques.

Today, his experiments and innovations not only make him a successful farmer but also serve as an inspiration for other farmers in the country. If a young farmer from a village can experiment like this, surely every farmer in the country can move towards self-reliance.

So, let’s draw inspiration from Abhilash’s story and apply new technologies in farming and fishery to enrich the agricultural sector of our country even more.