HOW A FARMER IS EMPOWERING FISH FARMING INDUSTRY WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY
Agricultural practices and farming trends differ globally, on the other hand, breed variety and location also plays a very important role. And living in a country like India, where both land and climatic conditions are in favour of agriculture, it’s a plus point for the farmers to reap benefit. But, the field in which the Indian farmers are lacking behind is the farming technology. One such a farmer who is bringing the modern farming technology from abroad to his motherland is Rajwinder Pal Singh Rana. He is a residence of Mandiani, Ludhiana, Punjab.
For Mr. Rana stepping into the field of fish farming was a totally new thing in 2000, but today by seeing his achievements nobody can say that. He started fish farming with 1.5 acres of land. But before this, he covered a long successful path as a marketing professional. As being an MBA graduate in Advertising and Sales Promotion he worked for a couple of years for many well-recognized brands like Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson.
But, maybe working as a marketing pro was not what he wanted to do in his life. He felt a something missing in his life and decided to return to his roots in Punjab. After taking the advice of a senior official from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), he decided to pursue a career in fish farming. He undertook training programs at PAU and Fish Farmer Development Agency, Ludhiana respectively, before venturing into commercial fish farming business.
In a span of 16 years, his farming venture has expanded to 70 acres. And in these years he has visited a new nation every year, to learn latest farming practices and technologies used in fish farming.
“People in Holland and Israel share the information while Russians are a bit secretive!” he says in a lighter vein.
His Inventions
From the beginning, Mr. Rana was always very curious and interested in knowing about new technologies. So after his foreign exploration, Mr. Rana invented new fishery products and machinery from his mastermind and implemented at his farm.
Machine to track the growth of fish in the pond
The first thing that he invented after his visit to Holland experience was a tag tracking machine for fishes. This machine helps in tagging and tracing every fish. Originally it’s a Dutch machine and is not affordable for an ordinary farmer, so Rajwinder created an Indian version of that machine. By using this machine a farmer can closely tag track a fish and can take the desired action in case of any risk to the other fishes.
Fish dung manure
The second thing he invented was fish dung manure. He invented a procedure in which fish waste is mixed with jaggery and decomposed for 45 days in a deep ditch and then it can be used directly. And this manure is very beneficial for horticulture purpose.
Device for carrying live fish for sale in the market
As we all know live and fresh fishes fetches better returns, so he developed a special water tank in which a 12 V DC motor will pump air through an air blower and will keep the fish alive and fresh, while the farmer carries it to the market.
Fashion accessories made from fish skin
Fish skin releases an acid like substance, due to which the fish skin remain shiny 24/7 in the water. So, Mr. Rana recognized its use and instead of discarding the fish skin, he used it for making mobile covers. Punjab Agriculture University helped him in making this project successful. The mobile covers made from the fish skin are very beneficial, as they prevent the emission of mobile radiations and safeguard humans from ill effects. He also understood that fish skin can also be used for making bags as a women accessory. Moreover, in the international market fish skin is valued at 600 Euros/inch. Mr. Rana has already applied for the patent on mobile covers and is waiting for government approval.
He also discussed the challenges faced in the fishery industry of India, –
“Banks in India don’t support fishery projects. There are other issues related to the availability of electricity and water. Lack of literacy among the farmers is another factor which has hampered the growth of fishery sector in India.”
He believes that Government of India should help in this regard by sponsoring trips of groups containing one scientist and nine farmers to foreign countries for training.
Currently, Rajwinder is raising rohu, catla and murak fish breeds at his Raj Aqua World farm for commercial purpose. Many other fellow farmers also benefited by using his techniques. He has developed successful fishing partnerships with other farmers and is selling large quantities of fish to other states. The fish-lets have been purchased from the government at subsidized rates. All thFrom the beginning, Mr. Rana was always very curious and interested in knowing about new technologies. So after his foreign exploration, Mr. Rana invented new fishery products and machinery from his mastermind and implemented at his farm.is success is the result of his ability to adopt new technology, innovations, and experimentation.
Future Plan
His plan is to focus on aquaponics in the future. He insists that expensive fish breed should be used in aquaponics for better results.
Awards & Achievements:
• Received award for Best Farmer of Punjab – 2004-05 from PAU Kisan Club (Regd.) for best utilization of waste water in aquaculture
• Best Fish Farmer of Punjab – 2005-06, Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development and Fishery from Mr. Jagmohan Kang
• Best Input Technology in Water Harvesting in Aquaculture – 2005, Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development and Fishery from Mr. Jagmohan Kang
• Best Production Award in low level water harvesting technology – Fish Farmers Development Agency, Moga (35 qt.) – 2005
• Best Farmer Award for water quality management – 2006-07
• Award for Storage of Aquaculture water and reusing agriculture resources – 2008-09
• Award for best utilization of sewage water in aquaculture – 2010-11
