Vikas Kumar Jha, a 41-year-old progressive farmer from Kishanganj, Bihar, is redefining the future of agriculture with a blend of tradition and technology. Armed with a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) degree, Vikas began his career in the IT sector, working in the city for several years. However, the urban grind left him unfulfilled. Driven by a desire to create meaningful change for his family and community, he made the bold decision to leave his corporate job and return to his roots.
With a strong belief that agriculture, when approached with planning and innovation, can be both sustainable and prosperous, Vikas embarked on a journey to transform farming in his village.
Beginning with Traditional Farming and Facing the Harsh Reality
Vikas has a land of 35 bighas. He started sowing paddy and maize on his family plot of 35 bighas. However, the yield of these conventional crops was surprisingly minimal. The amount earned was insufficient to sustain the family's daily expenses. As he struggled to make ends meet, he realized that conventional farming methods were not enough in today's economic scenario.
A New Beginning: Vikas Discovers the Potential of Fish Farming
The turning point was when Vikas participated in an awareness program conducted by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in his village. Through the program, he came to know about fish farming and the possibilities it offered for small and medium-scale farmers. The KVK experts discussed the technicalities of fish farming, such as pond preparation, fish selection, feeding, disease management, and market demand. Vikas, who had never thought about aquaculture before, was greatly inspired and went ahead with it.
Overcoming Initial Challenges with Determination
It was not an easy task to start a new venture. Vikas encountered several challenges in building ponds, choosing fish varieties, and learning the technical aspects of fish culture. But he did not lose heart. With constant advice from KVK scientists, he built scientifically designed ponds with adequate depth, width, and water quality. He took their suggestions on water management and disease control to promote the healthy growth of fish.
Building a Thriving Fish Farming Business
Vikas slowly diversified his fish farm business through hard work and determination. Today, he possesses ten well-stocked ponds scattered over 10 bighas of land. He raises an assortment of superior fish varieties, including Amur Carp, Jayanti Rohu, Grass Carp, Silver Carp, Mrigal, and CatFish. He pays special attention to water quality, feeding methods, and disease management.
For diet, he employs homemade feed, floating feed, and dust feed to provide balanced nutrition. Whenever there are signs of illness in the fish, he promptly contacts KVK experts for timely intervention.
The returns have been impressive. Vikas earns around Rs. 8 to Rs. 10 lakh each year from fish farming alone. His fish are renowned for their quality, and there is huge demand for them in the market.
Diversifying into Fish Seed Production for Supplementary Income
Vikas ventured into the production of fish seed, as he was not satisfied with mere fish farming. He makes high-quality fish seed twice a year, which is increasingly in demand among other fish farmers in the area. He explained that although the input cost per cycle is approximately Rs. 2 lakh, the profit can go as high as Rs. 5 lakh.
This provides him with another Rs. 10 lakh in yearly earnings. The production of fish seed is now one of the prominent pillars of his business which is providing him both returns and recognition.
Banana Cultivation and Farm Diversification
Vikas also cultivated bananas in a portion of his land apart from aquaculture. His area's fertile soil and good climate make it possible to cultivate bananas, which is an added source of income. He has made sure that his farm is productive and strong all year round by crop diversification.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Support: An Important Aspect
Vikas Kumar Jha owes much of his success to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra. The KVK team was with him every step of the way, right from training and awareness programs to field visits and technical advice. They taught him about pond management, the selection of fish species, disease management, and seed production. Their technical backstopping kept his farm healthy, productive, and profitable.
A Source of Inspiration for the Community
Vikas is now not only a successful farmer but also a mentor and inspiration to others. Farmers from neighboring villages visit him and learn how to farm fish and grow seeds. Some of them have been motivated to shift towards new aquaculture techniques and leave behind low-profit marginal farming. Vikas goes out of his way to impart knowledge and motivate others to avail themselves of government schemes and training opportunities.
Vikas Kumar Jha’s success story underscores the power of innovation and determination in transforming lives. His journey from IT to aquaculture inspires countless farmers to dream big and embrace modern techniques. By leading with vision, he’s not just farming fish—he’s cultivating hope, dignity, and a brighter future for rural communities.
