Rahat's exotic fish farm sparks hope for unemployed youth

Md Musaddik Mondal Rahat, a 17-year-old from Faridpur, has set an example for teenagers and unemployed youth by cultivating species of colourful exotic fish. 

Earning between Tk1 lakh and Tk1.5 lakh per month, Rahat's venture has flourished from a hobby into a successful enterprise over just six years, earning him several awards.

Rahat is the son of a government employee Mizanur Rahman from Doyarampur village in the Macchar Union of Faridpur Sadar upazila, is a first-year HSC student.

Inspired by YouTube videos in 2018 while in 7th grade, he began his journey with an initial investment of Tk1,600, purchasing fish to start his rooftop farm. His early efforts quickly expanded, leading to the cultivation of 20 species of fish, including Goldfish, Koi Carp , Oranda Gold, Molly, and Guppy.

Rahat feeds fishes with pallet foods at his farm. The photo was taken recently. Photo: TBS

Currently, Rahat's farm spans several acres, featuring four large ponds and 50 tanks, with a stock valued at around Tk50 lakh. His farm stands as a rare and exemplary model not just in his district, but across the country.

Exotic fish traders and enthusiasts from across the country consistently seek his fish, both online and offline. Besides, visitors from all over the country, including children, teenagers, young adults, and middle-aged individuals, are drawn to Rahat's farm.

One visitor, named Ramadan came from Dhaka to see the colourful fish. He said he often comes to see the colourful fish.

Quddus, a local resident, expressed his admiration for Rahat's fish farming success, stating, "I have witnessed Rahat's progress and am inspired to start my own fish farming venture soon by learning from his methods."

Another resident, Jamal, shared similar intentions, saying, "After seeing Rahat's achievements, I plan to cultivate exotic fish in the near future."

Rahat said he began his fish farming on a very small scale. Now, by selling the fry produced on his farm, he earns about Tk18-Tk20 lakh annually. He also plans to expand his farm further with government support.

Md Kamrul Ahsan Talukder, deputy commissioner of Faridpur, praised Rahat for becoming a successful entrepreneur at a young age.

The district administration is committed to supporting Rahat, he added. "There is a huge potential exotic fish farming to reduce unemployment in the region."