Sushma, a 31-year-old homemaker from Katwara village in Rohtak district, has become a successful fish farmer earning nearly Rs 20 lakh per year, inspiring rural women to pursue financial independence.
From Household Chores to Fish Pond
Once confined to managing her household, Sushma ventured into freshwater fish farming in 2022 by developing a two-acre pond in her village. She began with approximately 12,000 fish seeds and adopted scientific fish farming practices from the start.
Training and Government Support
To strengthen her technical knowledge, Sushma underwent professional training at ICAR-CIFE/ARTI, Hisar, where she learned modern aquaculture techniques and scientific pond management. She also received a subsidy of nearly Rs 5 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, which helped establish the enterprise, according to Rohtak Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta.
Business Growth and Impact
With regular guidance from the Fisheries Department and scientific pond management, Sushma's business has grown consistently. She now produces nearly eight metric tonnes of fish annually, generating an annual turnover of approximately Rs 20 lakh, making her financially self-reliant.
Role Model for Rural Women
Sushma credits her success to the unwavering support of her husband, the District Fisheries Officer, and experts from the Fisheries Department. "My husband's encouragement, along with technical training and departmental guidance, gave me the confidence to build a successful fish farming business," she said. Deputy Commissioner Gupta noted, "Sushma's success demonstrates that women can significantly improve their families' economic conditions by taking advantage of government schemes, technical training, and modern agricultural practices." Her journey stands as a powerful example of rural entrepreneurship and women-led self-reliance.
