From Fish Seed Production to a Thriving Enterprise: The Story of Saimona Begum Sekh

In Mohamedpur Pt. 1 of Hailakandi district, Assam, Mrs. Saimona Begum Sekh has transformed fish seed production into a thriving enterprise and a sustainable source of livelihood. Her enterprise, Saimona Fish Farm, has grown into an important local source of quality fish seed and fingerlings, while generating employment and supporting fellow fish farmers in the region.

Spread over approximately 50 bighas, the enterprise is centred around a Chinese carp hatchery and encompasses the complete fish seed production cycle—from broodstock breeding and spawn production to nursery rearing and fingerling production. With an estimated annual production capacity of around 10 crore fish seed/fingerlings, the farm produces seed of several important freshwater fish species, including Catla, Rohu, Mrigal, Common Carp, Rupchanda, Silver Carp and Grass Carp. By adopting improved breeding techniques and scientific hatchery, nursery and fish rearing practices, the enterprise has been able to produce quality seed to meet the growing demand among fish farmers in and around Hailakandi.

A significant part of this journey has been the technical guidance and capacity-building support provided by ICAR-KVK Hailakandi. The KVK has extended advisory support and guidance on scientific fish breeding, hatchery and nursery management, seed rearing, water quality management, fish health and other improved aquaculture practices. This support has helped Mrs. Saimona Begum Sekh strengthen her technical knowledge and adopt scientific approaches at different stages of fish seed production, thereby improving the management and efficiency of her enterprise.

Her journey has also been strengthened by the support of her husband, Mr. Sahadulla Sekh, who actively assists in the day-to-day management of the farm. Together, they undertake a range of activities, including broodstock management, breeding, hatchery operations, nursery rearing, harvesting and marketing of fish seed. Their combined efforts have helped the enterprise grow from a farm-based activity into a well-established fish seed production unit serving the local aquaculture community.

The enterprise has also created livelihood opportunities beyond the family. At present, five labourers are directly employed in various farm and hatchery-related activities, contributing to local employment generation. With an estimated net annual profit of approximately ₹15 lakh, Saimona Fish Farm provides a significant source of livelihood for the family while simultaneously contributing to the availability of quality fish seed in the region.

The enterprise's contribution extends beyond income generation. By supplying quality fish seed and fingerlings to farmers in surrounding areas, Saimona Fish Farm is helping meet the local demand for reliable fish seed and supporting the expansion of aquaculture in Hailakandi. Its adoption of scientific breeding, hatchery and nursery management practices also demonstrates how improved technologies and technical knowledge can strengthen the productivity and sustainability of small and medium-scale aquaculture enterprises.

The success of Mrs. Saimona Begum Sekh reflects the potential of women-led aquaculture entrepreneurship when supported by scientific knowledge, institutional guidance, family support and dedicated effort. With continued technical support from ICAR-KVK Hailakandi and the collective efforts of her family and workers, Saimona Fish Farm has evolved into a significant local source of quality fish seed, creating livelihoods while contributing to the growth of aquaculture in Assam.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone - VI, Guwahati, Assam)