Transforming Saline Fields into a Thriving Shrimp Farming Business in Punjab
Where wheat failed, shrimp thrived: Punjab woman turns saline fields into success story

Image: The Indian Express
In Inna Khera village, Punjab, Rupinder Kaur has successfully converted saline fields into profitable shrimp farms, generating annual profits of ₹7-8 lakh per acre. With government support and innovative biofloc technology, her family has expanded their aquaculture enterprise to 35 acres, showcasing a successful model of agricultural diversification.
- 01Rupinder Kaur's family initially owned 5.5 acres and invested ₹8-10 lakh per acre to start shrimp farming.
- 02The family cultivates tiger shrimp, which sells for ₹400-450 per kilogram, with production reaching 6-10 tonnes annually per acre.
- 03The use of biofloc technology has significantly enhanced shrimp growth and survival rates.
- 04Rupinder has been recognized for her contributions to innovative farming, receiving honors during the Republic Day celebrations in 2025.
- 05The family also operates a dairy business, providing year-round income and local employment.
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In Inna Khera village, located in Sri Muktsar Sahib district of Punjab, India, Rupinder Kaur and her family have transformed their saline fields into a lucrative shrimp farming enterprise. Initially struggling with unproductive wheat and paddy cultivation due to high salinity, the family embraced shrimp farming after attending a government-sponsored awareness camp in 2021. With an investment of ₹8-10 lakh per acre, they established shrimp ponds and received a 60% subsidy as part of government support. Their first harvest yielded substantial profits, allowing them to expand their holdings to 35 acres. The family primarily cultivates tiger shrimp, which can generate sales of nearly ₹12 lakh per acre per cycle. Utilizing advanced biofloc technology, they enhance shrimp growth and maintain water quality, achieving impressive survival rates. Despite the labor-intensive nature of shrimp farming, which requires feeding shrimp multiple times daily, the family also runs a dairy business, creating an integrated farming model. Rupinder's success has made her a prominent figure in agricultural innovation and women-led entrepreneurship in Punjab, earning her recognition during the 2025 Republic Day celebrations. She plans further expansion of their biofloc operations, highlighting the transformative impact of shrimp farming on their lives and land.
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The success of shrimp farming has revitalized previously unproductive land and provided new economic opportunities for the family and the local community.
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