Ramani Boruah’s story is one of transformation. Before 2022, his fishpond wasn’t producing much. He relied on traditional methods that weren’t very effective. However, everything changed when Ramani participated in a training program on sustainable aquaculture practices offered by the Indo-German development project.
This program, called SAFAL, provided Ramani with the knowledge and skills he needed to significantly improve his fish production. He learned about critical aspects like pre-stocking, stocking, and post-stocking methods. But most importantly, he grasped the importance of maintaining a healthy natural food system in his pond – plankton.
Plankton are tiny organisms that serve as fish food. Ramani discovered ways to cultivate both phytoplankton (plant-based plankton) and zooplankton (animal-based plankton) using simple, local ingredients like wheat, urea, and cow dung. He even learned how his existing practice of using vermicompost (compost made with earthworms) contributed to plankton growth.
The results were impressive. By applying his newfound knowledge, Ramani increased his fish production by a whopping 177% in the 2022/2023 season! His income nearly tripled, and he went from catching 378 kgs of fish to a bountiful harvest of 593 kgs.
Ramani’s success story doesn’t end there. He’s become a role model in his village community. He uses the profits from his rice farming to invest in fish farming, and vice versa. This smart strategy keeps him debt-free and inspires others to adopt similar sustainable practices.
Ramani believes that by sharing his knowledge and promoting sustainable aquaculture, he can empower his community and create a brighter future for generations to come. His story is a testament to the power of education and its ability to transform lives and livelihoods.
SOURCE – INDIA TODAY NEWS
