Born in a small village, Param in Kannur, Dinil Prasad was raised in the heart of this lush landscape. He went on to join the Indian Army when he was 26 years old. He was stationed in the artillery department of the Indian Army in Jammu, leading a life defined by routine and discipline for over five years.
Despite the security of a government job, the calling of the serene waters and the promise of a life back in Kerala became too strong to ignore. So, he made a bold decision to leave his army career to pursue caged fish farming voluntarily – a decision that puzzled and troubled his family.
“My family didn’t support my decision to leave the army for fish farming. They were upset, even abusing me for leaving a stable job. I am just glad that they didn’t throw me out of the house,” he recalls in a conversation with The Better India.
“They were worried about the risks and uncertainties associated with entrepreneurship, especially in fish farming, which they viewed as unpredictable and financially unstable,” adds Dinil.
Despite this lack of familial support, Dinil remained determined.
Soldier to entrepreneur
It was a group of women, who inspired Dinil to venture into caged fish farming. A YouTube video featuring these women’s success in the business grabbed his attention, and he pursued the idea.
It was a revelation for Dinil, who realised that the conditions near his own village, with rivers and resources, could facilitate such a business.
“Kerala is a state that is naturally gifted with water resources all over – Arabian Sea on the west and 44 rivers. If we leverage this, we can generate employment and prosper like others,” he shares.
While Kerala’s daily fish consumption is estimated at 1,742 tonnes, its requirement stands at 2,281 tonnes. The state has to import 539 tonnes of fish from other states.
Knowing the high demand for fish in the state, Dinil saw an opportunity to contribute locally while ensuring quality and sustainability.
“While there is a deficit for fish sales in Kerala, the stock that comes in from other states is expensive and might have chemicals.
Driven by a desire to reduce Kerala’s dependency on other states, he researched aquaculture practices that could maximise the use of local resources. He approached the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi for guidance.
With informal support and mentorship from CMFRI experts, Dinil learned about the principles of caged fish farming — a method involving the confinement of fish in a controlled environment within natural water bodies like rivers.
He set up his initial cages using materials like GI pipes, PVC pipes, ropes, and fishing nets in the Anandi River. Despite having no formal training, Dinil’s hands-on approach and perseverance were key as he navigated the complexities of setting up his operation.
Rebuilding against the tides
Dinil’s initial endeavour in 2018 was met with unforeseen challenges when catastrophic floods ravaged Kerala. This devastated his nascent business.
“I saw all my efforts wash away by severe flooding. This setback turned into a financial burden as I had partially funded my startup through loans,” he shares.
Despite the financial burden, Dinil remained steadfast in his pursuits.
He chose to view the experience as a learning opportunity. Armed with fresh insights, such as the importance of timing and selecting healthy fish stocks, he rebuilt his business with renewed vigor.
He expanded his operations while simultaneously supporting other farmers by sharing his knowledge and setting up caged farms for them. By helping around 50 other farmers establish their ventures, Dinil contributed to creating employment opportunities and promoting sustainable practices in the region.
Arpit Byju, who hails from Pookkad, Kozhikode, was interested in cage fishing. With the help of Dinil, he started fish farming in two cages. “There is immense scope in caged fish farming. Usually, feed waste creates ammonia in the pond, but because this setup is in flowing river water, there is no stagnant waste. You only need a little area to do this. I started with two and now wish to increase it to eight cages,” says Arpit.
“Dinil helped me in everything from paperwork to the setup, and gave me fish babies. He charged only Rs 10,000 for the setup. I admire Dinil for his dedication. He spent so many years in the Army, and I believe his decision to switch careers is commendable,” he adds.
Cage farming: An overview
Caged fish farming, Dinil explains, is a method of cultivating fish in a controlled environment. This involves placing fish in cages or enclosures that are submerged in natural water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or seas.
The cages allow water to flow freely through them, providing a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fish while containing them within a defined area. This farming system mimics the natural habitat of fish but allows for greater control over the environment and protection from predators.
Over traditional fish farming, Dinil says, cage fish farming ensures efficient use of resources. For instance, utilising natural water bodies eliminates the need for constructing large ponds or tanks, making it a cost-effective option for large-scale operations.
Additionally, farmers maintain a controlled environment that optimises growth conditions, minimising disease outbreaks and improving yield quality. Cages can be easily expanded or relocated, allowing scalability in response to demand or environmental changes. “This method also encourages local employment through farm setup, maintenance, and expanded fish production activities,” he adds.
Overall, caged fish farming provides a sustainable, efficient, and economically viable option for fish production, improving food security and local economies while minimising environmental impact.
Here are a few tips on setting up caged fish farming from Dinil:
1. Selection of Location
Choose a site with clean water, good current flow, and sufficient depth, away from pollutants. Sites in both freshwater and saltwater can be used, depending on the species of fish.
2. Cage Construction
Cages are typically made with materials like GI pipes or PVC pipes, along with nets and ropes. They are usually rectangular or square and are designed to be sturdy enough to withstand water currents.
Dinil Prasad operates seven cages in total. Each cage is 4 meters in length, 4 meters in width, and 2.5 meters in depth.
3. Installation
The cages are anchored in position with weights, ensuring they remain stationary in varying water conditions. The depth of submersion and spacing ensure optimal water flow and fish growth without overcrowding.
4. Fish variety
Introduce fingerlings into the cages. It’s crucial to select healthy and robust stock from reliable sources.
Dinil farms pearl spot, Asian sea bass, kalanji, and red snapper fish varieties. The feeding cycle for the fish is around six to seven months, after which production yields can be assessed.
These fish varieties are chosen because they can sell at a higher price, making them more profitable for Dinil’s farming operation. Typically, from a single cycle, he may expect a production yield of around 200 kilograms of fish from his setup, if conditions are optimal. Each variety, when sold, can fetch approximately ₹500 per kilogram.
5. Feeding and Maintenance
Fish are fed a nutritionally complete diet suitable for their species. Regular monitoring of water quality and fish health is essential, alongside maintaining the integrity of the cage structures.
Edited by Vidya Gowri; All images courtesy Dinil Prasad
Source:
State imports 539 tonnes of fish to meet demand: Min: Published by the Times of India on 10 October 2024.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thebetterindia.com
