Having worked for over six years at a private bank in Gurugram, Ajay Kumar, a resident of Sector-4 in Rohtak city, began exploring opportunities for self-employment that would not only provide him with a stable income but also enable him to stay with his family in Rohtak.Driven by this vision, Ajay identified shrimp farming as a promising venture and underwent specialised training at the Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Lahli. In 2015, he stepped into the field of shrimp farming and, within a few years, emerged as an inspiring example of rural entrepreneurship and scientific aquaculture.Today, Ajay has successfully transformed shrimp farming into a large-scale enterprise and is earning an annual income of nearly Rs 1 crore through aquaculture activities spread across around 60 acres.Starting with just 2.5 acres, he now produces more than 150 tonnes of shrimp annually. Through his dedication, scientific approach, and entrepreneurial mindset, Ajay has become a role model for farmers aspiring to adopt modern fisheries-based livelihood opportunities.“After completing my BCA, I began my professional career in the corporate banking sector in 2005 and continued working in the private sector till 2011. However, inspired to pursue self-employment and sustainable income generation, I decided to explore fisheries and aquaculture as a long-term livelihood option,” Ajay told ‘The Tribune’.He added that his strong attachment to Rohtak was also one of the major reasons that motivated him to return to the city through self-employment.“At present, I have two farm sites in Gharawathi and one in Girawar village, all of which have been taken on lease. The farming cycle begins in April and concludes in September.The shrimps are sold to Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha. Buyers send their trucks directly to the farms during September and October to get the produce,” Ajay informed.Meanwhile, Rohtak Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta said the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana is giving fresh momentum to India’s “Blue Revolution” and creating new opportunities for farmers, youth and rural entrepreneurs.“The objective of the scheme is not only to increase fish production but also to strengthen rural livelihoods, create employment opportunities and promote scientific fisheries practices. Success stories like that of Ajay Kumar demonstrate how innovation, training and government support can transform the rural economy,” he added.The DC maintained that the scheme focuses on the holistic development of the fisheries sector through support for modern aquaculture, cold storage infrastructure, fish transportation, processing and marketing facilities. Financial assistance, technical guidance and capacity-building support are also being provided to farmers under the programme.