A. I am a tribal from Golmuri, Jamshedpur. I participated in a skill training programme in 2018 at the Department of Fisheries Training Centre, Jharkhand. I gained knowledge in ornamental fisheries and started my first venture. I faced numerous challenges in terms of input and skills during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

A. In 2022, ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore supported me and 29 other beneficiaries under the Tribal Sub-plan, in consultation with the Department of Fisheries, Jharkhand.  The institute provided selected beneficiaries with an FRP ornamental tank, ornamental fish seed, fish feed, an aerator, medicine, and other accessories. ICAR-CIFRI conducted an onsite demonstration and skill training for the beneficiaries, followed by a 5-day training-cum-visit programme for the tribal/scheduled caste beneficiaries from 22nd-24th December 2022.

A. I underwent a training programme that significantly enhanced my knowledge, skills, and attitude towards ornamental fish farming. I visited ornamental fish villages in Howrah, West Bengal, gaining hands-on knowledge in aquarium fabrication, handling, and breeding of livebearers and egg layers like guppy, molly, platy, and swordtail. I learnt about fish feed requirements, feeding time, common diseases, treatment, and management practices in aquariums, including both natural and artificial methods. Motivated by ICAR-CIFRI's training programme, I established connections with Jharkhand's State Fisheries Department and DOF, receiving a 3 lakh rupee grant to construct a backyard ornamental fish farm under the PMMSY scheme.

A. Currently, I own a 450 sq. ft. ornamental fish farm with 80 tanks and 50 aquariums, earning 1.5 lakh/annum with a total investment of 60-70 thousand/annum, thereby gaining economic empowerment.