PM Matsya Sampada Yojana support helps transform passion into a thriving aquaculture enterprise
From 4 acres to 11 acres, Rohtak-born entrepreneur now inspiring others to adopt aquaculture
Rohtak, May 16:
In an inspiring story of women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance, 53-year-old Usha Rani, originally from village Awnl in Rohtak district and presently residing in Sainik Vihar, Pitampura, Delhi, has emerged as a successful fish entrepreneur, demonstrating how determination, passion and the right institutional support can transform lives.
Without any formal professional background in fisheries, Usha Rani turned her childhood interest in fish farming into a successful livelihood enterprise and is today creating a strong example for aspiring women entrepreneurs and progressive farmers.
Her journey reflects how women can successfully adopt non-traditional livelihood opportunities and become economically independent through innovation, resilience and government support.
Usha Rani, educated up to Class 10, was primarily a homemaker before entering the fisheries sector. Her interest in fish farming dates back several decades, with her initial exposure beginning in 1984 through a Panchayati pond. However, the real turning point in her entrepreneurial journey came in 2021.
In 2021, she established a fish farming unit on her 4-acre land located on Awnl Road in Kalanaur tehsil, Rohtak, focusing on Pangasius and Indian Major Carp (IMC) species, with an initial stocking of approximately 85,000 fish seed.
Her commitment and scientific approach yielded impressive results within the very first year itself. She achieved a production of approximately 75 metric tonnes of fish and generated an income of nearly ₹11 lakh, establishing fish farming as a sustainable and profitable enterprise.
Her success received a major boost under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), under which she received a subsidy support of approximately ₹9 lakh, enabling her to strengthen infrastructure and expand operations.
Today, Usha Rani has expanded her fish farming enterprise from 4 acres to 11 acres, and her annual income has increased to approximately ₹12 lakh, making her an inspiring example of rural entrepreneurship and women-led economic empowerment.
Usha Rani expressed gratitude to the Fisheries Department for continuous technical guidance and institutional support throughout her journey.
Encouraged by her success, she now aims to motivate and train other individuals—especially women and rural entrepreneurs—to explore aquaculture as a viable and profitable livelihood opportunity.
Her journey stands as a powerful testament to how government schemes, entrepreneurship and determination can together create meaningful social and economic transformation.
Leave feedback about this