Jabalpur News: Mandla entrepreneur launches MP’s first packaged fish snack brand: How healthy 'ready-to-eat' fish products are transforming fish farming?
Mandla: A young entrepreneur from Mandla district has given a new identity to Madhya Pradesh's fisheries sector by launching the state's first range of packaged fish snacks. Aditya Kumar Pandre, a resident of Simariya village, has transformed traditional fish farming into a value-added business through his startup, 'Clever Fish Food Private Limited.'
Launched under the RKVY-RAFTAAR
scheme at Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University in Jabalpur, the startup
received a grant of Rs 5 lakh for research and product development.
Today, the company manufactures delicious 'ready-to-eat' fish and prawn products, including fish chips, fish tangles, lemon masala fish, fish pickle, prawn chips, and prawn pickle.
Rich in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, these products are free from palm oil, artificial colors, and preservatives, and are now being sold across Madhya Pradesh as well as in Bihar.
New opportunities through innovation
Aditya, who holds both
undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Fisheries Science, was inspired by
the struggles of fish farmers who often faced losses due to a lack of market
access and cold storage facilities. By creating products with a shelf life of
approximately six months, he has generated better marketing opportunities and
increased earning potential for farmers.
The venture is also creating
employment by training and involving local tribal women in production
activities. Having already invested approximately Rs 8 lakh in research,
machinery, branding, and marketing, Aditya is now planning to set up a
large-scale manufacturing unit.
He received the 'Best Entrepreneur Award' in 2023 for his innovation and won the first prize at the Divisional Millet Festival for his value-added fish and shrimp products, making his startup an excellent example of rural innovation and entrepreneurship