Dharampal Kala, a 52-year-old farmer from Chiri village in Rohtak district, Haryana, has transformed his agricultural practices by venturing into aquaculture. With nearly three decades of experience in fisheries, he expanded into jhinga (freshwater prawn) farming four years ago. By forming a cooperative society with 10 unemployed youths, Kala now cultivates jhinga across 80 acres and manages fisheries on another 60 acres, utilizing land contracted from local landowners. His innovative approach has not only generated a profit of approximately Rs 20 lakh (roughly $24,000 USD) annually but has also created significant employment opportunities in the region. Kala's journey began in 1999, and he has since expanded his operations from 38 acres to 200 acres by 2010, showcasing the potential of aquaculture in rural economies. Officials from the Haryana fisheries department commend his systematic farming practices, which have inspired many local farmers. Additionally, Haryana has led the way in promoting jhinga farming since 2014, with current cultivation covering 6,500 acres and producing 17,000 metric tonnes annually. The state offers subsidies for aquaculture projects, making it accessible for various communities.