From pond to plate: Fish farmer Aujla makes waves as entrepreneur

Jasvir Singh Aujla, a progressive fish farmer from Karodian village in Payal tehsil, has transformed his expertise in aquaculture into a thriving business.

With 26 years of experience, he has ventured into fish processing entrepreneurship, catering to the growing demand for ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook value-added products. Besides this, he is also engaged in traditional farming of wheat and paddy.

Aujla, trained in fish processing by the College of Fisheries, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), recognised the need for value-added health products and hygienic marketing to enhance economic returns.

“I entered into value-added products after understanding the importance of producing high-quality, nutritious food,” he shared.

The ready-to-eat products include items such as fish balls, fish cutlets, fish nuggets, fish sausages and fish pickle. The response he has received for his products is overwhelmingly positive, with fish lovers appreciating the taste and quality. He is a regular participant at Pashu Palan Melas and recently organised a Fish Festival at GADVASU.

“After participating in these events, there is no looking back for me,” Aujla said. “I am now receiving regular enquiries from health-conscious consumers about my fish products.”

Currently, Aujla markets his products under the trade name ‘Karodian’s Fresh Food’, with plans to expand into supermarkets to make his convenient fish products more accessible. His dedication to innovation and sustainability has also earned him the GADVASU Chief Minister Progressive Fish Farmer’s Award.

Dr JPS Gill, Vice-Chancellor of GADVASU, emphasised that skill development programmes play a crucial role in promoting small-scale fish processing entrepreneurship and Aujla’s success serves as an inspiration for other farmers.

“Skill development is a two-way process—farmers must apply their training to build sustainable businesses. Jasvir Singh has done exactly that, opening new doors for Punjab’s aquaculture sector,” Dr Meera D Ansal, Dean of the College of Fisheries, remarked.

Aujla’s journey from traditional fish farming to entrepreneurial success is a testament to the power of innovation, training and perseverance, setting a new benchmark for farmers across the state.

Ludhiana