Techie quits her job for aquafarming and uses the innovative Biofloc to achieve a record harvest

[ad_1]

In 2015, when computer engineering graduate Nishanth Reddy started growing shrimp from his father, he had no idea how to carry it out. Today, this 27-year-old boy gets 30 times more production from his 5-hectare shrimp farm located in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, using Biofloc technology. “India is the second largest shrimp exporter in the world. But the pandemic and some diseases affecting the species have caused our production to collapse. When I entered this field, many diseases were prevalent and I decided to investigate their root cause, ”says Nishanth, owner of Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Aquaculture Pvt Ltd.

Technology-induced agriculture

Traditionally, shrimp are grown in water that is placed above the ground. Nishant found that all diseases are caused by over-exploited soil. The presence of ammonia and other chemicals are bad for the healthy growth of shrimp.

He thus introduced the HDPE (high density polyethylene) geomembrane, which has properties of chemical resistance and ultraviolet rays, to take the place of the soil. In this way, overuse of the soil and the resulting diseases are tackled.

Biofloc technology is another effective method he applied which has enormously increased shrimp production. “Like any other living thing, shrimps excrete the same amount of feed that is given to them. Using this technology, fecal matter is converted back into highly nutritious feed. Aggregates of bacteria, algae and protozoa are held together in a matrix with organic matter to improve water quality and prevent disease. It’s an eco-friendly practice that reuses and reduces waste, ”Nishanth explains.

He was introduced to this method through extensive research. He says scientists from Israel performed this technique, and Nishanth made the necessary changes to Andhra’s farmers while employing it on his water farm. “This is the first time this approach has been implemented in India,” he says. Shrimp Farm at Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Aquaculture Pvt Ltd.

Biofloc technology helped this young farmer to produce 4-5 metric tons per hectare per year. About 100 employees are working in this aquafarm. “I quit my job and joined aquafarming only for the social responsibility of continuing my father’s business and supporting our employees. Most of them have been here for three decades, ”Nishanth says.

“This method helps to drastically reduce water usage from hundreds of liters to 15-20 liters, saving this natural resource,” he says.

Advertisement

Nishanth and his father Narendranath Reddy have a total area of ​​80 hectares as agricultural land. Five hectares are used for aquaculture and the rest for extensive agriculture. “It will take at least two years to develop the remaining area with a similar method. This technology requires a high investment of up to Rs 1.5 crore per hectare. But it is a highly profitable business and takes about two years to receive the maximum return on investment, “he adds.

In addition to Biofloc technology, Nishanth’s farm is fully managed via his smartphone. He monitors the farm from a control room and has installed AI-based CCTV cameras around the ponds.

The aquafarm was visited last month by the Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Products, Dr. L Murugan, who appreciated the young man for his efforts. Nishanth Reddy with the Union Minister Dr. L Murugan.

Nishanth hopes to expand its agriculture and employ more people. Its innovation is undoubtedly a revolution in aquaculture that has enough potential to change the face of the Indian economy.

(edited by Yoshita Rao)

[ad_2]