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Two decades ago, when the Maoist insurgency intensified, it negatively affected Nepal’s economic activity and left a trail of destruction.
Private investors refrained from investing, government investment slowed down, and foreign investors also avoided it.
Punya Prasad Chaudhary had the desire to become an entrepreneur in his heart. But he didn’t have much investment to start the venture.
He showed interest in digging a pond.
Chaudhary, 42, said, “My father Faudhar Prasad helped me with 30,000 rupees. I dug the pond with 15 cutters.” [0.5 hectares] of land. ”
In the first year, Chaudhary caught 1.2 tons of fish and earned Rs 80,000.
Earlier, his family was earning around Rs 25,000 from the same land where they cultivated paddy.
This was a great encouragement to Chaudhary.
Chaudhary gradually moved away from traditional farming and soon became an entrepreneur. He currently runs Sakiya Fish Resort by the pond.
Today, his resort has become a popular fishing and tourism spot, attracting more and more people.
“Twenty years ago, there were very few opportunities for foreigners to work,” says Chaudhary. At that time, the trend of aquaculture was increasing in Rupandehi.
He followed suit.
The farmers had no prior knowledge of fish farming, but when the opportunity presented itself, they seized it.
In 2006, government officials conducted training on fish farming in the village.
“That 15-minute training was helpful. It was a turning point in expanding my business. After the training, I invested more. I dug another 15 cuts in the pond,” says Chaudhary. he said.
He never looked back then.
Nowadays, the name recognition goes beyond the area. He is also considered a pioneer of aquaculture in the region.
“Lupandehi Fish” is in high demand in the market. In addition to selling fish, many people come to him for advice on fish farming.
He gives business tips and shares his knowledge.
In 2006, Chaudhary’s farm was declared the largest producer of fish in Rupandehi.
He currently owns 12 ponds covering an area of 7 bigha. [4.74 hectares].
Choudhary used the income from his aquaculture business to purchase additional land. “We have also invested in other areas. We plan to use the proceeds to build a house and buy a car,” he said.
“Success in aquaculture cannot be achieved alone; it requires the support and cooperation of families and communities.”
Choudhary also produces and sells millions of juvenile fish. He also exports fish to India.
But his approach to tourism is new.They invested Rs 60 million in a fish resort spread over 25 cuttas. [0.8 hectares] In the last two years.
Resorts that incorporate local art and culture form the center of attraction. A variety of fresh fish dishes are also prepared and served to resort guests.
There is also a fish restaurant overlooking the pond. 30 people can eat there at one time. In the restaurant he employs 16 people.
“The resort’s operations are going well. Tourists can enjoy a variety of fish dishes, which will further increase their satisfaction,” he said. The resort has 12 well-equipped rooms.
It has a conference hall that can host a variety of events. “We plan to accommodate up to 80 guests at a time,” Chaudhary said. The concept of integrating farms and tourism reduces risk, he said. “This is why I have been expanding my aquaculture and tourism businesses at the same time,” he said.
Chaudhary sells 70 million fingerlings annually, worth Rs 6 million.
Mr. Chaudhary has also received numerous local and national awards.
With more farmers attracted to the Rupandehi fishery, the government has also launched a program to address the challenges posed by commercial fish farmers.
However, farmers say there are currently many challenges, including high interest rates, rising feed prices, lack of market access and high electricity costs.
“There are many things that need to be resolved. The first step is to strengthen fish imports,” he said.
Farmers involved in commercial fish farming are being supported by the Prime Minister’s Agricultural Modernization Project.
“It’s not that the government is not providing support, but there are many issues that affect farmers’ growth,” Chaudhary said.
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