Shelgaon (Taluka Degloor, District Nanded) – Farmer Shri Yadav Saigonda Rajure has set a shining example of how innovative use of a farm pond can bring prosperity to rural families. Within just 18 months, he successfully earned ₹1.25 lakh of additional income through fish farming—a supplementary business that not only supports irrigation needs but also strengthens economic stability.
🐟 The Journey of Fish Farming
The turning point came in April 2024, when a farm pond was constructed on Rajure’s land under the joint initiative of Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal, Sagroli and Galaxy Surfactants, Mumbai. The pond, originally designed for water storage and irrigation, soon became the foundation of an alternative source of income.
In June 2024, fish seed was introduced into the pond. Rajure carefully undertook the responsibilities of this new venture—
- Maintaining the pond’s water quality,
- Providing regular and balanced feed to the fish,
- Monitoring their health and growth,
- Ensuring protection from predators and seasonal challenges.
Through his consistent efforts, the fish grew steadily. By the end of 18 months, each fish weighed an average of 1 kilogram, leading to a total harvest of 500 kilograms of fish. With the prevailing market rate of ₹250 per kilogram, Rajure earned ₹1,25,000/-—a significant additional income beyond his regular farming activities.
🌾 An Inspiring Model for Farmers
This success demonstrates that farm ponds can serve a dual purpose—ensuring water availability for crops and generating reliable supplementary income through activities like fish farming. Rajure’s achievement proves that with proper guidance, planning, and care, farmers can turn small resources into sustainable livelihood opportunities.
His story is already creating a ripple effect in the surrounding villages. Many farmers in the Degloor taluka are now showing interest in adopting similar practices. Rajure has become an inspiration for his community, motivating them to diversify their farming activities and reduce dependency on conventional crop yields alone.
💧 The Role of the Farm Pond Initiative
The construction of Rajure’s farm pond was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Sanskruti Samvardhan Mandal (SSM), Sagroli, a reputed rural development institution, and Galaxy Surfactants, Mumbai, an industry partner committed to supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
- SSM’s vision was to empower farmers with innovative solutions that combine resource management with livelihood opportunities.
- Galaxy Surfactants’ support ensured that modern practices, training, and awareness could reach grassroots farmers.
The initiative’s twin objectives were:
- To store sufficient water for irrigation throughout the year.
- To open new income-generating avenues for farmers through allied activities such as fish farming, floriculture, and horticulture.
Rajure’s success story is one of the first milestones of this project, showing the tangible benefits of community–industry partnerships.
🌟 A New Path of Sustainability
The Shelgaon experiment proves beyond doubt that farm ponds are not just water reservoirs but also catalysts of rural transformation. When utilized effectively, they reduce water scarcity, increase crop productivity, and create opportunities for supplementary businesses like fish farming.
For Rajure, the farm pond has become more than just an asset—it is a symbol of financial stability and self-reliance. His achievement highlights the potential for rural farmers to adopt modern yet simple innovations and ensure a better livelihood for their families.
✅ Conclusion:
The success of Yadav Saigonda Rajure stands as a beacon for farmers across Nanded district and beyond. By blending traditional farming wisdom with modern livelihood initiatives, he has shown that sustainable farming and rural prosperity go hand in hand. This experiment has reaffirmed the vision of Sanskruti Samvardhan Mandal and Galaxy Surfactants: empowering farmers through innovation, resilience, and self-sufficiency.