Pabna, 17 May (V7N) – Abdul Matin, a resident of Pabna, has transformed his life through fish fry (pona) farming, now earning a monthly income of one lakh taka. Matin's journey from being a laborer to a successful fish farmer demonstrates how perseverance and the right support can lead to significant financial improvement for families with limited means. The Jagarani Chakra Foundation, a non-governmental development organization, has played a crucial role in empowering unemployed individuals like Matin in Pabna by providing training in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.

Once a brick kiln laborer in Bhabanipur village, Atgharia upazila, Pabna, Abdul Matin struggled to support his family. Facing uncertainty, he decided to venture into fish farming. With financial assistance from PKSF (Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation) and technical guidance from the Jagrani Chakra Foundation, he initiated his fish farming with a modest loan of 75 thousand taka.

Since then, Matin's success has been remarkable. Within a year, he achieved a profit of 5 lakh taka. Currently, he cultivates fish fry in five ponds, specializing in golden varieties of Rui, Katla, Mrigel, Silver Carp, and Glass Carp.

During an interview, Abdul Matin shared, "Besides fry, I also farm large fish. I have gained a special reputation for selling fry of the golden Rui variety. This fish grows quickly, and the profit margin is also high. Annually, I earn 80,000 to 100,000 taka after covering all expenses. In just three years, my family's prosperity has been restored through fry cultivation. I have become self-sufficient."

The pona produced at Matin's farm is now sold in various districts across the country, including Natore, Rajshahi, Jessore, Magura, Khulna, Sirajganj, and Dhaka. Buyers from these regions travel to his farm to purchase fry. His success has inspired many others in his community to explore fish farming.

Saiful Islam, a fellow resident of Bhabanipur village, Atgharia upazila, commented, "Matin had nothing. I could not have imagined that he would improve so quickly in three years just by selling pona fish. Seeing his success, I myself have started pona fish farming. I am hopeful that I too can make good profits."

Jahangir Alam, a buyer who traveled from Natore to purchase pona from Matin, said, "I have heard a lot about Matin Bhai. Especially the pona of Subarna Rui fish is very good. It is profitable in a short time. That is why I am coming to buy pona. I am considering starting pona fish farming myself."

Mizanur Rahman, Fisheries Officer at the Jagrani Chakra Foundation's Pabna branch, stated, "Abdul Matin was introduced to fish farming through our organization. We have provided him with comprehensive technical support and training. Like him, our organization has empowered 121 farmers in three upazilas of Pabna to become self-reliant in fish farming."

Abul Kalam Azad, Pabna District Fisheries Officer, noted, "Pabna has consistently been a surplus district in fish production and has emerged as a hub for advanced fish farming. We are expanding these advanced techniques across various upazilas. Many individuals have taken up fish farming with assistance from both government and private entities. We are supporting fish farmers through technology, technical assistance, and expert advice."

He further mentioned that the district produced 73,000 metric tons of fish last year, and the target for this year is 74,000 metric tons.

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