Anup Kumar Sarmah, a native of Gohpur, Biswanath Chariali, Assam completed his postgraduate studies in 2002 from Guwahati University. His professional journey began with a five-year stint as a Research Assistant at CSIR – North East Institute of Science & Technology (formerly the Regional Research Laboratory). Following this, he dedicated over 15 years to working with an NGO, gaining invaluable insights and experience across various states and even internationally.
As he progressed in his career, Anup recognized the vital need for self-reliance, especially in his homeland's agricultural sector. Driven by this vision, he decided to venture into aquaculture, starting with just 10 acres of land. Today, his enterprise has flourished into a 100-acre business, primarily focused on cultivating carps and high-value fish species such as Catfish, Magur, and Koi.
In addition to fish farming, Anup runs successful fish seed (spawn) production units, generating over one crore fish seeds annually. His seeds are distributed across more than 10 states in India, contributing significantly to the growth and sustainability of the aquaculture industry.
Transforming Assam’s Fish Supply Chain
Assam, a state that experiences heavy rainfall and flooding for over half the year, has historically depended on states like Andhra Pradesh for its fish supply. However, Anup’s initiative has reversed this dependency, making Assam a fish seed supplier to multiple states instead of a consumer.
Beyond fish production, he has also addressed one of the biggest challenges in aquaculture—high fish feed costs. Recognizing that commercial fish feed is one of the most expensive components of the industry, he established his own feed production unit, manufacturing 200 tonnes of fish feed annually. This has not only helped reduce operational costs for his own venture but has also benefited other fish farmers in the region.
Training and Knowledge Transfer
Anup’s business is not just about financial success—it is also about empowering others. He actively trains and mentors aspiring fish farmers through both paid and free training programs. His goal is to equip more individuals with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in aquaculture.
Just last month, he trained over 300 farmers for free, and to date, he has trained more than 2,000 individuals in fish farming. His training programs cover everything from basic fish farming techniques to advanced spawn production and feed management.
From Lab to Land: Bridging the Knowledge Gap
Having worked as a scientist in a CSIR lab, Anup strongly believes in the “Lab to Land” concept—where scientific research should directly benefit farmers. However, he notes that there is still a significant gap in knowledge transfer between research institutions and agricultural practitioners.
The lack of awareness and technological access in Assam has resulted in an imbalance between fish demand and supply, further motivating him to step into the aquaculture business. His initiative is helping bridge this gap by making scientific techniques accessible to farmers.
From a Humble Salary to Rs 3 Crore Turnover
Many individuals settle for stable jobs with modest salaries, but agripreneurs like Anup are changing the narrative. After working across India and abroad, he chose to return to his homeland and build something impactful.
His current annual fish production stands at 100 tonnes (1 lakh kg), while his fish seed production reaches Rs 1 crore annually. His business now boasts an impressive Rs 3 crore turnover, proving the huge potential of fish farming in Assam.
Challenges Faced
Despite his success, Anup faced several challenges in establishing his aquaculture business:
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Supply and Demand Gap
Assam has long relied on other states for its fish supply. Anup’s venture ensures year-round local production, reducing dependency on external sources.
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Lack of Technological Awareness
Limited access to modern fish farming techniques was a major challenge for emerging farmers. However, agricultural institutions like KVKs and SAUs have stepped in to support knowledge transfer. Though support was initially limited, government initiatives later provided crucial assistance in technology transfer and training.
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High Feed Costs
Fish feed is one of the biggest expenses in aquaculture. Anup tackled this by setting up his own feed production unit, reducing costs for himself and other farmers.
Youth Must Be the New Face of Agriculture
“Food security is the need of the hour,” says Anup. He believes that youth must actively participate in the agricultural sector, as older generations may not have the capacity to meet today’s production demands. With numerous government subsidies and incentives available, he urges young professionals to invest their education and skills in agriculture rather than settling for low-paying jobs.
For those interested in learning aquaculture, Anup is always willing to provide training and support to help them succeed.
Anup Kumar Sarmah’s journey from a Scientist to a thriving agripreneur showcases the untapped potential of aquaculture in Assam. His dedication, innovation, and business acumen have not only transformed his own life but have also created opportunities for thousands of other farmers.
By reducing Assam’s reliance on external fish suppliers, producing affordable fish feed, and training aspiring entrepreneurs, Anup has set a remarkable example for future generations. His story is a testament to the fact that agriculture, when approached with the right mindset and knowledge, can be a highly profitable venture.
As he continues to expand his business and train more individuals, Anup’s vision for a self-reliant Assam in fish production seems well within reach. His success sends a powerful message—innovation and persistence can lead to extraordinary achievements, even in the most unconventional fields.
