Tripura farmer Abdul Karim transformed from paddy cultivation to scientific fish farming with institutional support, earning over Rs. 2 lakh annually. His successful aquaculture journey in Sepahijala highlights sustainable rural livelihoods, modern farming techniques, financial inclusion, and the growing potential of fish farming.
At 45, Abdul Karim of Urmai Gram Panchayat in Tripura’s Sepahijala district has transformed his life through scientific fish farming, proving that determination and the right institutional support can create sustainable rural livelihoods. With only primary-level education, Karim now earns more than Rs. 2 lakh annually from aquaculture, making it the primary source of income for his family.
Initially dependent on paddy cultivation, Karim faced declining profitability and labour shortages, prompting him to explore fish farming in 2015-16 with a one-kani pond. Encouraged by promising returns, he expanded the pond to two kanis by 2021-22, laying the foundation for a successful aquaculture enterprise.
A significant boost came through the support of the CML-TATA Trust, which provided technical guidance, training, and exposure to scientific fish farming practices. Capacity-building programmes conducted in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the College of Fisheries, and the NABARD-supported Bagma Agri Producer Company Limited (BAPCL) equipped him with modern aquaculture skills. The installation of an aerator under the project further improved water quality, resulting in healthier fish and higher productivity.
Today, Karim produces around 800-1,000 kilograms of Indian Major Carp annually, earning attractive returns from local markets. Institutional finance has also strengthened his enterprise. After successfully repaying a fisheries loan from Punjab National Bank, he has applied for additional support under the Kisan Credit Card scheme to expand production further.
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Despite challenges such as floods and rising fish seed costs, Karim remains optimistic. He plans to expand his pond area and adopt more advanced technologies to increase production. His success story highlights how scientific knowledge, financial inclusion, and institutional support can empower small farmers to build resilient livelihoods while inspiring others to embrace aquaculture as a profitable alternative to traditional farming.
