Feeding Great Fortune: Handwara youth sets example of self-reliance with successful fish farming venture

Kupwara, Nov 23: Sadeeq Alam, a 24 year old youth from Bandi a remote village in Haril area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, has become a beacon of self-reliance and entrepreneurship by establishing a thriving trout fish farm in his locality. Instead of waiting for a government job, Aalam soon after completing his graduation from Government Degree College (GDC) Handwara in 2022 took the initiative to create his own livelihood, by setting up the trout fish farm with the assistance of the Fisheries Department.

“Initially I established a single unit in 2023 at an estimated cost of Rs 5 lakh but with the assistance of the Fisheries Department I received half of the amount back in the form of subsidy. After the success of the first year I extended my trout farm with further two units in 2024 and added one more unit in the current year,” Sadeeq told Greater Kashmir.

In just two years, Sadeeq’s fish farming business enterprise has received an impressive turnover of approximately 5 to 7 lakh rupees. His success highlights the potential for individuals to build their own businesses, even in rural areas, by utilising the resources at their disposal.

Sadeeq’s remarkable journey is an inspiring example for others, showing that with hard work, dedication, and initiative, self-employment can be a viable and profitable path. “The youth should take benefit of government schemes aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. Rather than wasting time on uncertain job prospects, which often offer little security, the youth must see the avenues of setting different ventures to become self-sufficient,” he said.

For Sadeeq, the trout farm is more than a business; it is a passion fuelling his pursuit of excellence. The farm, now a cornerstone of his livelihood, is the sole financial support for his family, generating a substantial income.

In emphasising the nutritional value of trout fish, Sadeeq accentuates its superiority and popularity in the Kashmir valley. He specifically notes the species’ characteristic of having fewer bones, addressing concerns related to bone-related issues and making it a preferred choice. “Not only in Handwara, infact I receive orders from other districts as well. We go for mass sale on religious festivals of Hindus in order to keep the stock available so that they can cherish the moment, Alam said.

While sharing the experience, Sadeeq told this correspondent that generally it takes a year for fish to be able to sell. “I purchase seed from Kokernag, following a rigorous handwork of almost one year the fish attains the salable weight,” he said. Sadeeq said that the convenient salable weight for trout is considered to be in between 250 to 300 grams and if reared properly it can gain the said weight within eight months. “Since trout fish need the purest form of flowing water, one needs to be extra cautious while dealing with the trade. During the rainy season water tends to get polluted and it is when mud gets settled at the bottom of the farm. The removal of mud at the earliest is a must and in failing doing so could be really detrimental for fish,” added Sadeeq.

“Since trout fish is liked by all so the demand remains always on the higher side but still many people are not in trout fish farming. There is much scope in trout fish farming,” Sadeeq told Greater Kashmir. In a call to action for the youth, Alam encourages them to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. He advocates steering clear of detrimental substances like drugs, stressing the importance of making positive life choices for a promising and fulfilling future.