Waterlogging woes to wealth: Hoshiarpur farmer’s inspiring fish farming journey
Decades ago, this farmer faced the harsh reality of waterlogging caused by seasonal streams, locally known as Choes, which rendered his land unsuitable for cultivating wheat and reduced paddy yields.
Khushwant Singh Cheema of Chhangla village in Dasuya tehsil of Hoshiarpur at his fishery farm Settled in the Shivalik foothills, 65-year-old Khushwant Singh Cheema from Chhangla village in Dasuya tehsil has turned adversity into an opportunity by transforming his waterlogged field into a thriving fish farming enterprise and has been earning lakhs from it.
A graduate and recipient of the Chief Minister’s Award for fish farming during the Pashu Palan Mela organised by Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, in 2023, this innovative farmer has led by example by showcasing the potential of fish farming as a profitable alternative to traditional agriculture.
Decades ago, this farmer faced the harsh reality of waterlogging caused by seasonal streams, locally known as Choes, which rendered his land unsuitable for cultivating wheat and reduced paddy yields. With nearly 30 acres of his 75-acre joint family land waterlogged, he struggled to revive it but in vain. However, in 1997, an agricultural officer introduced him to the concept of fish farming, which turned out to be a life-changing solution.
“I had no knowledge about fish farming initially, but with brief training and government support, I started with five acres. The results were promising, and over the years, I converted the entire 30-acre waterlogged area into fish ponds,” he said.
“Starting small, now I operate several fish ponds on my land, rearing five varieties of fish, including Indian species like Rohu, Katla, and Murag, as well as Chinese varieties such as Grass Carp and Common Carp. Each acre of his fish farm generates an income of Rs 3 to Rs 3.5 lakh annually, with a net profit of Rs 1.25 to Rs 1.5 lakh per acre after accounting for expenses which included seed, feed, equipment’s and labour.
“Fish farming is far more lucrative than cultivating wheat or paddy but it needs proper attention and monitoring of the ponds and fishes. With hard work, latest tools and more reseroces even farmer can double his income from fish farming,” said he, adding that my annual earnings from fish farming now exceed Rs 38 to Rs 40 lakh from this land which was once turned waste for me and it can be enhanced manifold with the government support.
The government provides subsidies for digging ponds, which is a one-time cost except for occasional repairs. The farmer credits the officials from Fishery department Punjab for their guidance on technical aspects and subsidy programs. However, he emphasized the need for greater government support to unlock the sector’s full potential.
During a government-organized visit to China, he witnessed advanced fish farming techniques, including automated equipment for feed distribution and oxygen supply, which resulted in yields of up to 8-10 tonnes per acre—significantly higher than Punjab’s current average of 2.5 to 3 tonnes.
“If the government supports farmers by subsidizing modern equipment and providing better pond concrete lining systems, production could increase manifold, encouraging even small farmers to adopt fish farming for its high returns,” he said.
“The modern technology and government initiatives can revolutionize the sector. Fish farming is an untapped goldmine in Punjab. Even small farmers with just one acre can earn significant profits if given the right tools and training,” he said, adding that there is no problem in its marketing as buyers themselves come to his fish farm to catch the fishes and transport from here.
He urges authorities to focus on equipment subsidies, technical training, and marketing support to boost fish yields and profitability across the state.
In addition to fish farming, the farmer continues to grow wheat, paddy, and agroforestry on the remaining 45 acres of family land. Notably, the nutrient-rich water from his fish ponds is recycled for crop irrigation, enhancing soil fertility and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
Farming runs in the farmer’s veins. His grandfather, Dr. Ganda Singh Cheema, a former director of horticulture in undivided Gujarat after Partition, instilled a deep connection to the land. After migrating to Punjab during Partition, his family received 100 acres of land, which they have cultivated ever since.
“My wife has been a pillar of support in this journey. Together, we’ve ensured that our land remains productive despite the challenges,” he remarked.
By embracing fish farming, he has not only overcome the challenges of waterlogging but also created a sustainable and profitable agricultural model that inspires farmers across the region, said Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Deputy Director
Punjab Fishery Department Hoshiarpur, said that it is a cash crop farming and government provides several subsidies on it.
“Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampda Yojana (PMMSY) there are several schemes to support this farming and farmers can earn very well even from small land holdings,” added he. Interestingly according to a report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the world’s population is due to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and sustainable approaches to feeding the extra mouths are crucial and the fishing sector will play a vital role in it.
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