1 week ago

Punjab Farmer Builds Profitable Zero-Waste Enterprise From Village Ponds

Harbhajan Singh Taggar chose farming instead of taking a regular job after graduating.

He first learned tractor repair and ran a workshop.

In the early 1990s, he turned part of his land into a fish pond.

Over the years, he bought more land and leased village ponds for fish farming.

His farm now raises fish, pigs, goats, chickens and quail.

Waste from the animals helps feed fish or becomes manure for crops.

Used pond water is also sent to the crop fields.

The family sells fish, meat products, pickles and other foods under the Khiala brand.

This system helps the farm earn money while wasting less.

Key facts

Owned land: 19 acres, including 11 acres for fish ponds and aquaculture and eight acres for wheat and paddy.
Leased ponds: About 40 acres of village ponds are leased for fish farming.
Fish production: Approximately 2.5-3 tonnes per acre.
Fish sales: The 11-acre fish operation generates annual sales of about Rs 25-30 lakh.
Estimated annual savings: Taggar estimates savings from fish farming at around Rs 50-60 lakh after expenses.
Livestock: The farm has around 100 pigs and 100 goats, along with desi poultry and quail.
Fish varieties: The farm produces six varieties, including rohu, catla and grass carp.
Lease cost: Leased ponds cost approximately Rs 20 lakh per year.

indianexpress.com · 1 week ago