Nasima Akhter, 42, and her husband, Syed Mia, have witnessed a significant transformation in their lives brought by the LIFE project. The family leveraged this opportunity to bring one of their homestead ponds into Tilapia cultivation, utilising fish fingerlings and modern aquaculture techniques provided by the LIFE project. They can now save a considerable amount of money.
From LIFE project, they were taught how to take care of Tilapias and the importance of keeping the pond clean. In every week, Nasima participates household meetings organised by the LIFE project team. Additionally, the project team conducts monthly checks on the Tilapias and examines the pond water quality, advising the addition of lime to the pond if necessary.
Once important lesion Nasima and Syed learned was the importance of sunlight for the Tilapia’s growth, leading them to clear overhanging trees that shaded the water. This ensures ensured the pond received ample sunlight, creating a healthier space for the fishes to thrive. Syed Mia happily shared the benefits from the project. He cached big Tilapias from his pond and sold them in the market, increasing his income. Syed mentioned that he earns an annual income of 70,000 to 72,000 BDT through selling his Tilapias. He even helped other underprivileged fish farmers by giving them fish fingerlings. Hoping to spread their knowledge of Tilapia farming so others can similarly benefit. With their earnings, Nasima plans to buy cows, goats, and chickens to make her family members’ lives better.
“Before the project, we were unfamiliar with the aquaculture technologies. The project has equipped us with comprehensive knowledge from the scratch If others in circumstances similar to ours were provided with fish fingerlings through such projects, they too could experience the financial benefits we have.”
