Hard work, determination and proper guidance can transform anyone’s life.A living example of this is 40-year-old Rishipal from Lahli village in Rohtak district, who has successfully transitioned from being a driver to a thriving shrimp farmer.His journey has not only strengthened his financial position but has also inspired many farmers in the region. Rishipal studied up to Class 10 and worked as a driver for seven to eight years at the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) in Lahli.While working there, he closely observed aquaculture activities and was inspired by their success, developing a keen interest in fish and shrimp farming.In 2014, he took the bold decision to quit his driving job and entered shrimp farming with technical guidance and training provided by the Fisheries Department. Starting with one acre of land, he stocked around one lakh shrimp seed in his pond and harvested nearly 1,000 kg of shrimp in the first year.The venture enabled him to save around Rs 3-4 lakh annually. Encouraged by the initial success, Rishipal gradually expanded his business. Today, he is engaged in shrimp farming on nearly 13 acres of land.After meeting all expenses, he earns a net annual profit of about Rs 20 lakh. A notable aspect of his success is that he has converted saline and barren land into a reliable source of income. His enterprise has not only improved his family’s economic condition but has also generated local employment opportunities.Rishipal credits his success to the training, technical guidance, and financial assistance provided by the Fisheries Department under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. According to him, the department’s support enabled him to transform himself from a driver into a successful aquaculture entrepreneur.Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta said Rishipal’s success demonstrates how farmers can significantly increase their income by adopting modern technologies and taking advantage of government schemes.He noted that both the state and central governments are implementing various programs to promote fisheries and aquaculture, which can help farmers and youth become self-reliant. Gupta described Rishipal as a progressive farmer whose achievements serve as an inspiration for others in the district.He said such success stories play an important role in strengthening the rural economy and encouraging innovation in agriculture and allied sectors.