Vijayakumar Narayanan, from Palakkad, Kerala, returned to India in 2012 after working in Muscat for 20 years. Unsure of his next move, he began exploring farming techniques suitable for Kerala’s climate.

His interest in agriculture led him to aquaponics, a sustainable method combining aquaculture, hydroponics, and organic farming. The inspiration struck when a tree fell in his backyard, leaving a water-filled pit, which he transformed into a fish tank.

Aquaponics uses fish excreta to fertilise plants. The waste enriches the water, which is then used to grow crops, providing a dual income from fish and vegetables.

Vijayakumar cultivates fish such as Nile tilapia, carp, giant gourami, and ornamental varieties. Alongside, he grows vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, spinach, and okra, using nutrient-rich water from the fish tanks.

The fish are fed organic inputs like Azolla, colocasia leaves, and rice bran. “I use natural on-farm inputs as supplementary feed, which are comparatively inexpensive and organic,” says Vijayakumar.

Aquaponics requires minimal investment beyond fish feed. “The biggest advantage of aquaponics is that by spending for the feed of fish alone one can harvest good yields from both fish and vegetable farming,” he adds.

Vijayakumar also started the Nanniode Aquaponics Research and Development Centre (NARDC) to train farmers in aquaponics, organic farming, and integrated aquaculture. He has trained over 7,500 farmers, both online and offline, globally.

NARDC works with governments, universities, NGOs, and private organisations, setting up farms in various parts of India and even Gulf countries.

“I have assisted in setting up farms in Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Wayanad, Goa, Telangana, Coimbatore, Madurai, Pondicherry, Bhopal, Kanyakumari, and Chennai,” Vijaykumar shares.

According to Vijayakumar, even a two-cent plot of land (~900 sq ft) is enough to start an aquaponics farm. One cent can be used for a fish pond, and the remaining space is allocated for growing crops.

Through his latest initiative, The Venus Project, Vijayakumar provides nutritious fish, vegetables, and fruits to 130 people (30 families) year-round through subscription packages. This initiative supports 26 local households by delivering fresh produce to subscribers weekly.

Vijayakumar’s aquaponics venture generates an annual income of up to Rs 6 lakh. As the project expands, the potential for better income and more sustainable farming continues to grow.

Vijayakumar emphasises the importance of learning before diving into aquaponics. “Never get into this type of farming without taking proper classes about it as it is completely different from normal farming,” he advises.