Meet Rethi Kumari, a trailblazing entrepreneur from Onattukara, Kerala, who transformed her childhood fascination with ornamental fish into a thriving business. Once a dedicated chemistry teacher, Rethi has now become a celebrated figure in the fish farming industry, earning accolades such as the Certificate of Excellence from ICAR-CMFRI on International Women’s Day 2024 and being named the Best Ornamental Fisheries Entrepreneur of 2024 by the Muthukulam Block Panchayat.
Rethi’s remarkable journey began in 2017 when she left her 15-year teaching career to pursue her lifelong passion for fish farming. Starting modestly with just two fish breeds—Guppy and Angelfish—Rethi grew her venture into a significant enterprise. By 2019, she had expanded to a dedicated fish tank, and by 2022, she had launched the Medium Scale Ornamental Fish Rearing Unit under the Kerala government’s initiative, supported by an 8 lakh rupees loan and a 60% subsidy from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
Today, Rethi manages a state-of-the-art 50,000-litre tank at her farm, aptly named ‘Dear Guppy’ after her first fish breed. Her farm features advanced technologies like biofilters for water recycling and focuses on wholesale fish sales, distributing 5,000-10,000 fish at a time across Kerala and Karnataka.
Rethi’s success story highlights the importance of pursuing one’s passion and seeking knowledge through training. Her advice to newcomers in the field includes investing in proper training, monitoring water quality, and managing diseases effectively.
Rethi Kumari’s inspiring transformation from a chemistry teacher to a leading ornamental fish farmer exemplifies how dedication and innovation can lead to extraordinary success.
Source-krishijagran.com