Introduction
Deepak Kumar from Banka has found success by diversifying his business with agriculture. By combining farming with fishery, duck rearing, poultry, and goat farming, farmers can earn a good income. Both the central and state governments provide subsidies for such ventures, allowing farmers to earn better profits at lower costs. Many farmers in Banka district, like Rupesh Kumar Singh from Rajwada village in Fulidumar block, are successfully earning a good income through this diversified approach.
Starting Duck Farming
Rupesh Kumar Singh, who used to work in a private company in Delhi, returned to his village in 2019 due to financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. After watching videos on fish farming on YouTube, he decided to dig three ponds on 2.5 acres of his five-acre land. However, facing oxygen depletion in the ponds, he switched to duck farming on the advice of a friend. By purchasing 60 ducks, the oxygen levels improved, the water became cleaner, and the fish growth rate increased. He also started rearing desi chickens, further adding to his income.
Earning Over Ten Lakhs Annually
Rupesh Kumar Singh shared that he is rearing IMC and Seelin varieties of fish. By investing in 15,000 seeds annually, he produces around 11,000 quintals of fish. While the cost per fish is around Rs. 70-80, he sells them at Rs. 110 per kg in the market. Seelin fish mature in 6-7 months, while IMC takes 13 months. Duck farming has also been profitable, with ducks starting to lay eggs within 6-7 months, selling for Rs. 400-500 per pair. The demand for desi chickens is high, with each pair selling for Rs. 700-800, leading to an annual income of over ten lakhs through fish, duck, and chicken farming.
बांका जिले के किसान रूपेश कुमार सिंह ने खेती-किसानी के साथ मछली, बत्तख, मुर्गी और बकरी पालन करके एक सफल व्यवसाय शुरू किया है। उन्होंने दिल्ली में नौकरी छोड़कर गांव में यह व्यवसाय शुरू किया और सालाना दस लाख से अधिक की कमाई कर रहे हैं। उनके अनुसार, बत्तख पालन, मछली पालन और मुर्गी पालन से उन्हें अच्छी कमाई हो रही है और व्यवसायिक दृष्टि से बत्तख पालन सबसे कारगर है।