From Battlefield to Harvest: A Soldier’s Inspiring Transition to Fish Farming

Dinil Prasad, a former member of the army, switched to cage fish farming after his military service. In an interview for the state government’s ‘Thozhilali Shreshta’ award, he shared his journey and reasons for choosing this path. He explained that cage fish farming offers several advantages, especially for people like him who have an interest in agriculture but face challenges with land availability and rental costs.

Unlike traditional farming, where income comes only once a year, cage fish farming can provide regular cash flow. Fish raised in cages in rivers tend to taste better and fetch higher prices in the market. Dinil believes that if more people adopt this method, it could lead to a stable income for them while ensuring consumers have access to healthy fish.

After finishing his five-year stint in the artillery division, Dinil learned about a fish cage farming initiative from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) based in Kochi. He recognized the potential of the Anjarakandi River near his home for this type of farming. Determined to explore the idea, Dinil visited various farms in Ernakulam. His efforts were supported by CMFRI officials, including Dr. Imelda Joseph, who guided him in mastering fish farming techniques. Today, he manages seven cages and helps other farmers across the state with his expertise.

Dinil started with two cages made of strong GI frames, which float on the water’s surface and hold a net cage for the fish. Each cage is 4 meters long, 4 meters wide, and 2.5 meters deep. They are placed above the riverbed to optimize space and access for feeding and harvesting. His initial investment for two cages and equipment was about ₹3 lakh, with a 40% subsidy from the Fisheries Department.

The fish spawn is introduced after the monsoon season, specifically in September and October, and harvesting begins the following April. By carefully scheduling the introduction of spawns, he can harvest fish throughout the year. Dinil has found it beneficial to keep smaller net cages within the larger ones. This way, he can sell fish directly from the smaller cages without disturbing the larger ones, reducing stress on the fish.

Dinil primarily cultivates pearl spot (karimeen) and kalanji, both of which are popular and have stable market prices. Kalanji can be particularly profitable, with the potential to earn around ₹3.5 lakh from 1,000 spawns in 6-8 months, while pearl spots can yield about ₹90,000 in the same timeframe. Kalanji prefers a meat-based diet, while pearl spots require artificial feed. Dinil balances feeding needs for both species in his cages and communicates regularly with his customers through WhatsApp to keep them updated on harvest schedules.

Managing fish farming comes with its challenges. The river’s water quality can fluctuate, sometimes leading to health issues like fungal infections among the fish. Dinil ensures he maintains the cages regularly to prevent such problems. He also earns additional income by constructing cages and providing maintenance services for fellow farmers.

Cage aquaculture is a method where fish are raised in netted enclosures in open water sources. It allows for the farming of different fish species in separate cages within the same water body, making it efficient for harvests. This practice is popular in various settings, from rivers to backwaters and even large ponds, ensuring a steady income throughout the year.

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