Assam: Fish cultivator in Barpeta achieves greater earnings than an IAS officer

In a remarkable tale of determination and perseverance, Hemanta Deka, a fish cultivator from Barpeta, has surpassed the income of an IAS officer through his thriving business. Deka's inspiring journey showcases the power of hard work and passion in achieving success in the face of challenges.

"When I used to do business along with my father, I took a fishery on rent. But one day, the thought of what would happen if they didn't continue to rent their fishery crossed my mind. How would I survive and provide for my family? 
That's when I decided to invest in purchasing land for my business. I started by buying one bigha of land and gradually expanded my holdings, and now I operate my business on 50 bigha of land.", Deka said. 

Starting from a young age, Deka immersed himself in the world of fish cultivation, following in his father's footsteps. Initially, he rented a pond but soon realized the risks involved in cultivating fish on leased land. Undeterred, Deka began purchasing small plots of land and gradually dug his own fisheries, one by one.

"After 25 years of unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, Deka now owns an impressive 45 bighas of land, housing four substantial fisheries. Additionally, he recently acquired an 18-bigha fishery on lease, where he plans to embark on fish cultivation soon.
I currently own four fisheries, occupying approximately 45 bigha of land. With an expenditure of around 40 lakhs and a workforce of 20 employees, we strive to meet the market demand, although it remains a challenge. The fish market in Barpeta and Howly is substantial. I personally procure feed products for the fish, and while the government has provided me with one e-rickshaw, additional support would have been greatly appreciated.", Deka added. 

Deka's commitment to quality is evident in his meticulous approach to feeding his fish. He exclusively uses healthy food and refrains from using fertilizers in his fisheries, ensuring the production of high-quality fish.

Notably, Deka's business has become a source of employment for over 20 individuals in the local community, contributing to the region's economic growth.

While Deka's business thrives, he has also encountered significant expenses to maintain and expand his enterprise. Nonetheless, his diligent efforts have yielded an impressive annual profit of 25-30 lakhs.

Reflecting on his journey, Deka expressed his gratitude for the government's support in providing him with a subsidized E-Rickshaw. However, he hopes for further assistance to expand his fisheries, which would enable him to generate even more employment opportunities in the area.