Photo: BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, July 8, 2026 (BSS) - Despite household poverty, capital shortages, and daily uncertainty, many village fish farmers 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. 

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. 

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. 

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." 

Rafiqul Islam, a fish farmer from Tislai area of Darshanpara Union, also expressed gratitude. 
    
He operates a tilapia fish farming demonstration farm in his 40-decimal household pond. 

He said, "I've kept fish farming going despite debt and family struggles. Due to lack of necessary supplies, I've often seen fish get damaged. Today it feels like someone has finally heard the struggles of ordinary fish farmers like us." 

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." 

Present at the event were Dr. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Senior Assistant Director of the District Fisheries Office; Assistant Director Ayesha Khatun; Sultan Ahmed, Joint Convener of Paba Upazila BNP; Md. Wali Ullah Mollah, Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer; and Takir Hossain, Field Assistant of the Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer's Office, Paba. 

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.