Raipur :The Chhattisgarh government's farmer-friendly schemes and the effective implementation of modern technologies are providing new opportunities for self-employment and income growth in rural areas. Mr. Kailash Paikra, a resident of Maja village in the Batauli development block of Surguja district, is a prime example. He has achieved remarkable success in farming as well as fish farming by adopting biofloc technology.

Mr. Kailash Paikra traditionally cultivated rice, but to generate more income, he contacted the Fisheries Department and took advantage of the government's Biofloc scheme. Under this scheme, he started fish farming at a cost of approximately ₹1.4 million (14 lakh rupees), receiving a subsidy of ₹8.4 million (8.40 lakh rupees). He developed a modern pond and biofloc system on his 32x32 decimal plot.

Biofloc technology produces more fish in less water and limited space. Currently, his farm houses approximately 10,000 fish, including approximately 7,000 tilapia, as well as species such as rohu, catla, mrigal, and rupchand. Due to natural breeding, production is steadily increasing, providing him with a steady income throughout the year.

Mr. Paikra explained that he doesn't need to go to the market to market his fish; traders themselves visit the farm and purchase the fish. Wholesale prices range from 150 to 160 rupees per kilogram and retail prices range from 150 to 200 rupees per kilogram.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai for this achievement, Mr. Kailash Paikra said that government schemes have made him self-reliant. His success is inspiring other farmers in the area to adopt modern fish farming techniques, thereby strengthening the rural economy.