Dhaka: Fish entrepreneur Rekha Rani Mondal has achieved remarkable success by producing carp fry using modern techniques in Tala upazila of the district, setting an example for other fish farmers in the area. Despite managing household responsibilities, Rekha Rani Mondal never gave up on her dream. Balancing her duties at home and on the fish farm, she has established a successful white fish fry production enterprise.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, over 50 fish farmers in Tala upazila have become self-reliant after receiving training from Satkhira Unnayan Sangstha (SUS), inspired by Rekha's success. Rekha currently produces white carp fish fry on two bighas of land in Boyarsing village under Khalilnagar union of Tala upazila.
Rekha Rani Mondal explained to BSS that she had been unable to cultivate fish properly before receiving training from SUS. After completing the training, she started producing white fish fry on two bighas of land and has never looked back. Many people now seek her advice, while local fish farmers collect fry produced at her farm. Alongside her husband, she is now contributing financially to her family and playing a significant role in meeting the educational expenses of their two sons. Her husband, Manoranjan Mondal, has always supported her in this endeavour.
Manoranjan Mondal shared that both of them work tirelessly at their fish production farm, and that their hard work has brought them success. Local resident Puja Rani Mondal mentioned that she also started producing white fish fry after receiving advice from Rekha Rani.
Local fish traders stated that they previously had to travel to Jashore and other areas to purchase fish fry. Now, they can easily obtain quality fry within their own locality, reducing travel time, costs and transportation-related risks. They also said the risk of fish mortality has declined.
Local youth Rezaul Islam expressed his intention to establish a similar farm after visiting Rekha Rani's white fish fry production farm and being highly impressed. He plans to seek advice from her before starting his venture.
Md. Ekramul Hasan, SUS Agriculture Development Officer, noted that fish farmers under the project are being equipped with skills through modern technology-based training and technical support. 'As a result, they are becoming economically self-reliant while supplying quality fish fry to meet local demand,' he said.
SUS Executive Director Sheikh Iman Ali told BSS that the project, implemented with the support of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, is continuing its efforts to create employment opportunities and strengthen the rural economy by providing training to more people. Modern technology, training and regular technical assistance have created new prospects for producing carp fry in Tala upazila of Satkhira. This is meeting local demand while also increasing the incomes of rural families and paving the way for greater economic self-reliance.
Tala Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Md. Tariq Imam said Rekha Rani's farm has generated a strong positive response in the area. Fish farmers from surrounding areas are now able to collect improved-quality fish fry from within their own locality. Rekha Rani, along with other trained entrepreneurs, is playing an important role in increasing fish production in Tala upazila. He emphasized that Rekha Rani Mondal's journey from a housewife to a successful entrepreneur demonstrates that women can become one of the driving forces of the rural economy through proper training and hard work.