Badhan Datta: Realising dreams through prawn farming

THERE was a time when conventional fish farming failed to provide substantial profits for Badhan Datta, a resident of SBC Nagar village in the Bharatchandranagar Block of South Tripura district. Despite his efforts in fish farming, market prices, high cultivation costs and limited margins left his family in a constant struggle to meet daily expenses.

However, through determination and innovation, Badan transformed his economic situation by delving into Galda (giant freshwater prawn) farming.

Long engaged in aquaculture, Badhan utilised his own pond and additional ponds for cultivating various fish species. The consistent lack of expected profits led him to seek alternatives, which he found in the burgeoning market demand for 'Galda' prawns. Recognising the potential for higher profits through modern scientific methods, he reached out to the State Fisheries Department for assistance. The officials provided him with extensive guidance on contemporary farming practices, including seed stock selection, feeding, water management, disease prevention and production enhancement strategies.

Badhan actively participated in training camps and workshops organised by the department, gaining hands-on experience in scientific cultivation techniques. He learned that farming giant freshwater prawns in conjunction with mixed fish species in the same water body could increase production yields significantly. Key elements of successful cultivation included proper pond management, timely juvenile harvesting, balanced feeding and regular monitoring, knowledge that proved essential to his subsequent success.

Acknowledging Badhan’s commitment, he received necessary support under the ‘Chief Minister’s Fisheries Development Scheme’ for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which provided high-quality prawn juveniles, fish feed and other essential farming inputs. This governmental aid alleviated his financial burdens, allowing him to implement scientific farming practices with greater confidence. By maintaining rigorous care, ensuring water quality, scheduling feedings, and applying modern management techniques, Badhan witnessed significant outcomes in the 2025-26 fiscal year. His ponds yielded approximately 56 kg of giant freshwater prawns and around 535 kg of other fish species.

Badhan sold part of the harvested prawns, generating income while keeping some for future production. Within a single year, he earned a profit nearing ₹1.15 lakh from selling fish and prawns, transforming his family’s socio-economic status. This financial improvement allowed him not only to fulfill daily necessities but also to prioritize his child's education and health, as well as to save for future needs. Thus, Badhan Datta emerged as an inspirational figure for aspiring fish farmers in his region, showcasing the power of adopting modern agricultural techniques and perseverance.

Badhan Datta exemplifies how leveraging government schemes and modern technology can lead to self-reliance in agriculture and fisheries, particularly in giant freshwater prawn farming. His achievements are attributed to the continuous guidance and timely support from the Fisheries Department, which he gratefully acknowledges. Datta's evolution from a mere fish farmer to an active collaborator with the Fisheries Department highlights his role in supplying shrimp spawn for the production of giant freshwater prawn (Galda) juveniles, contributing to additional income and enhancing the state's prawn production.

Over the past two years, Datta has consistently demonstrated that, even with limited resources, success in fish farming is attainable through proper planning, scientific methods, and effective government initiatives. His ambition is to expand his prawn farming operations and increase both production and profitability by utilizing advanced technology, with a desire to continue his collaboration with the Fisheries Department.

Recognised in Bharatchandranagar Administrative Block as a skilled and progressive fish farmer, Datta's success story has sparked interest among local fish farmers, encouraging them to adopt modern cultivation practices and inquire about giant freshwater prawn farming. This collective shift is indicative of the growing potential for this type of aquaculture in the region.

Experts from the Fisheries Department assert that giant freshwater prawn farming can significantly benefit the rural economy, offering employment and income opportunities. Supported by government initiatives, training, modern technology and assured market access, this venture is not just about individual profit but could serve as a cornerstone for economic development in South Tripura.

Datta's journey is a powerful narrative of how determination, technology and government support can bring transformative changes in the rural economy, inspiring many to pursue similar paths of growth and self-sufficiency.

(Released by the DICA, Tripura)

September 03, 2026