MH

Nandurbar: Nandurbar district is a tribal-dominated district. The main occupation of the district is 'agriculture'. Chilli, maize, wheat, millet and cotton are the main crops grown on a large scale. However, some farmers have started poultry farming, goat farming and milk business as a sideline to agriculture. Despite this, farmer 'Yohan Arvind Gavit' from Bhavere tribal settlement in Navapur taluka of Nandurbar district has inspired the entire country with his achievements. Farmer Yohan Gavit has achieved extraordinary success in the cage fishing business by combining traditional agriculture with modernity. In recognition of his achievements, he will be honored in the capital Delhi by President Draupadi Murmu on Republic Day (26 January 2025). Due to this honor for the tribal youth, the name of the district has reached Delhi. Yohan Gavit, who lives in Bhaware village, started a fish farming business along with his traditional farming eight years ago. To promote the fish farming, he got a 60 percent subsidy from the government under the Pradhan Mantri Matsyasampada Yojana. From this scheme, he was approved for a grant of about Rs 32.40 lakh to set up 18 cages. Gavit made proper use of this financial assistance and started fish farming in his village pond using modern methods. Modernity and social perspective in fish farming: Yohan Gavit did not limit the fish farming business to just financial livelihood, but also empowered other farmers through this business. He prepared fish seeds in his cages and supplied them to the farmers. Apart from this, he met the business needs of the farmers by providing the materials required for fish farming. Today, many farmers in Bhaware village and its surroundings have turned to the fish farming business due to his work. The remarkable achievements of Yohan Gavit were appreciated not only in Maharashtra but also at the central government level. The Joint Commissioner, Fisheries Department of Maharashtra State inspected his project and submitted a report to the Central Government highlighting the success of this project. Accordingly, the Central Government has selected him and invited him to be felicitated by the President on Republic Day. Recently, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and District Collector Mittali Sethi also visited the project and praised Yohan Gavit. India Post Inspector Bharat Chaudhary and Postman Sunil Gavit handed over the formal invitation of the President's felicitation to Yohan Gavit. While accepting this invitation, pride and joy were clearly visible on the faces of Yohan Gavit and his wife Yashoda Gavit. “This is not only an honor for us, but also a matter of pride for our village. We have proved that by properly utilizing government grants, we can set up a business and achieve economic development for the family,” said Yohan Gavit emotionally. Taking the example of Yohan Gavit's achievements, youth from other villages with water bodies are also turning to fisheries. This inspiration that started from Bhavere village has now crossed the district and state borders and reached other parts of the country. Yohan Gavit's achievements have once again highlighted that government schemes can be effectively used to promote agriculture-related businesses. Due to his work, the name of Bhavere village has reached the national level and his achievements are becoming a guide for farmers across the country. The success of Yohan Gavit, who created new history at the honor ceremony in Delhi on Republic Day, has been inspiring for rural India.