In the face of household poverty, capital shortages, and daily uncertainty, many village fish farmers in Rajshahi keep their dreams alive through small ponds. For some, the pond is their family's last hope; for others, fish farming is a struggle to put two meals on their children's plates. When government assistance reaches these marginalized people, it becomes more than just fish farming equipment - it becomes the strength to stand up again.
Government Initiative Brings Hope
Under the third phase of the "Union-Level Extension of Fish Farming Technology Services Project" for fiscal year 2025-26, demonstration materials for household ponds were distributed in Paba Upazila, Rajshahi. This morning, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ibnul Abedin handed over the materials to five beneficiaries at the Paba Upazila Parishad premises. The program was organized by the Office of the Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer, Paba.
Support for Marginal Farmers
Each beneficiary received 4,000 koi fish fry, 40 kg of fish feed, a signboard with two poles, 30 kg of lime, along with saplings of bottle gourd, ash gourd, lemon, chili, elephant foot yam, and papaya. Materials worth Tk 30,000 were allocated per person. In total, supplies worth Tk 150,000 were distributed among the five beneficiaries.
Emotional Reactions from Farmers
Receiving the materials, fish farmer Sufia Begum of Bargachhi Union became emotional. She said she runs a tilapia fish farming demonstration farm in her 30-decimal household pond. Despite her family's hardship, she has struggled to continue fish farming because the pond is her family's main hope for survival. She added, "Many times I've watched my dreams collapse before my eyes due to lack of capital and necessary supplies. Today, receiving these materials, it feels like the hard days will ease a little. This support is the courage for ordinary fish farmers like me to rise again."
Government Aims for Self-Reliance
UNO Ibnul Abedin said this government initiative aims to increase production and make marginal fish farmers economically self-reliant. If household ponds are utilized properly, they can meet family nutrition needs while also generating extra income. He said, "If the beneficiaries use these materials according to training and advice, successful demonstration farms will be established. We hope this assistance brings real change to their lives."
Potential for Local Impact
Officials said that if the household pond-based demonstration activities succeed, local fish production will increase, family-level nutrition security will be ensured, and new income opportunities will open for marginal fish farmers.
