Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Aug 30, 2026 (BSS) - Young entrepreneur Rahul Biswas has set an example of agricultural and fisheries entrepreneurship by producing ornamental fish, farming shrimp and vegetables, and rearing livestock and birds at his integrated farm in Banda village of Dumuria upazila in Khulna.

Rahul’s “Biswas Agro Project and Fish Hatchery” has already attracted considerable attention in the area for its diversified farming activities.

Located about four kilometers from Dumuria upazila headquarters, the project includes ornamental fish hatcheries, ponds, vegetable fields and livestock facilities.

A student of an agricultural college, Rahul had long been interested in farming. After achieving success in farming improved varieties of galda and bagda shrimp, he turned to ornamental fish production about two years ago after noticing growing demand in the aquarium fish market.

Last year, he established a specialised ornamental fish hatchery with three houses, modern water pumps and six ponds.
The hatchery now produces fry of around 20 attractive and relatively rare ornamental species, including molly, montel, comet, polar, angelfish, guppy, goldfish, koi carp, butterfly fish and tetras.

Fish traders from Khulna’s Khalishpur to Dhaka’s Katabon regularly collect fish from his hatchery. Rahul also supplies fish across the country through oxygen-packed shipments against orders.

Depending on the species, the ornamental fish are sold at Tk 20 to Tk 200 per pair or piece.
Rahul said the ornamental fish market remains active throughout the year.

His family-owned 16-bigha property has nine large ponds. Eight ponds are used for modern all-male galda shrimp farming, while bagda shrimp is cultivated in another pond using the “CP” method.

Various chemical-free vegetables, including cucumber, yardlong bean and bottle gourd, are grown along the embankments of the ponds.

The project also has cattle breeding centre, facilities for rearing improved foreign dog breeds and a rooftop pigeon breeding and marketing centre.

“Six workers are currently employed regularly at my farm. I also work alongside them full-time. After meeting all associated expenses, the project earns a net profit of around Tk 15–20 lakh annually,” Rahul said.

His initiative has drawn praise from people in the locality.

Nityananda Mondal, a successful galda-bagda farmer and college teacher in Dumuria, said Rahul’s innovative approach to artificial breeding and commercial marketing of ornamental fish could serve as a model for unemployed youths in the region.

“He has also achieved remarkable success in shrimp and vegetable farming,” he said.
Dumuria Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer ZillurRahman Reagan welcomed the initiative, saying ornamental fish farming has considerable potential in shrimp-dominated Dumuria.

“Rahul’s professional approach and use of modern technology in integrated farming of all-male galda shrimp and ornamental fish are truly commendable. The upazila fisheries office is ready to provide all kinds of technical support to emerging entrepreneurs like him,” he said.