THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A C Anil Kumar did not think much about farming and becoming a entrepreneur 14 years ago, when he was busy engaged in building a life as a construction worker.
But, his fortunes started changing after giving up that job and turning to the field of ornamental fish farming.
Hailing from Azhinjilam near Ramanattukara, he and his wife Ambika now owns a full-fledged ornamental fish breeding farm and is also jointly running a pet centre in city along with a family friend.
Says Anil, “I had a passion for ornamental fish in my childhood but I become a construction worker. Owing to health reasons, I left the job and turned to ornamental fish farming on a low-key basis. But, finding it profitable and enjoyable, I expanded it and for the past 10 years, me and my wife are fully engaged in farming activities.”
Today several varieties of ornamental fish are being produced in his farm in a large scale which includes -Neon tetra, Black Neon Tetra, Red Eye Swordtail and Black Molly among other species. His farm is one among a few in the state which breeds Neon Tetra on a commercial basis. Aside from fingerling’s breeding, various live aquarium plants are also being grown in the farm. The plants include- Hemianthus, Javamos and Umbrella plant etc.
The feeds needed for the fish are also produced in the farm in the form of micro worms and other substances. “If you spend time and energy, this is profitable. There is a huge demand for the ornamental fish and it is being reflected in both the retail and wholesale sales of the fish. We earn an average of `30,000 a month,” he says.
The most important thing, according to Anil, to become a successful ornamental fish farmer is to know everything about the fish.
“It is very important to study and know the fish species closely. For Neon Tetra, the breeding period is between July and December. Likewise, each and every varieties have their own unique characteristics. Another major thing to be monitored periodically is the health of fishes. Early diagnosis of diseases and administer of medicine is important from the fact the fingerling’s are growing as a group in the tanks,” he added. For details contact- 9961854642.