Rohu Fish Farming Profit Per Acre in India: Cost, Feed & Income

 Rohu fish farming profit per acre explained honestly with real cost, feed expense, yield, and income data from India. No hype—just realistic profit numbers farmers need.

                                                                             

Rohu fish farming is often promoted as a “safe” and “guaranteed” income model. Many farmers are told that Rohu alone can generate lakhs per acre with minimal risk. Government training programs recommend it. Neighbors suggest it. YouTube videos show success stories.

But very few sources explain how much profit Rohu fish farming really makes per acre, what the actual costs are, and where farmers quietly lose money.

This article does not sell dreams.
It explains Rohu fish farming as it actually works in India.

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Why Rohu Is Still India’s Most Trusted Fish

Rohu remains one of the most farmed freshwater fish in India for a reason.

It fits Indian conditions:

• Strong consumer demand

• Acceptable growth rate

• Compatibility with pond systems

• Cultural preference across states

But “trusted” does not mean “high margin.”
Rohu is a volume-and-discipline fish, not a shortcut fish.

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Rohu Fish Farming Basics (Profit Context)

Rohu is typically grown in:

• Earthen ponds

• Polyculture systems

• Semi-intensive models

Pure Rohu monoculture is rare and risky. Most successful farmers grow Rohu with Catla and Mrigal to optimize natural food layers.

Growth period:

• 8 to 12 months for market size (700 g to 1.2 kg)

This long cycle defines the entire profit equation.

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Pond Size Assumption for This Analysis

To keep numbers realistic, this analysis assumes:

• 1 acre earthen pond

• Average water depth of 5–6 feet

• Semi-intensive farming

• Good water availability

• No extreme disease outbreak

This is the most common real-world setup.

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Rohu Fish Farming Cost Per Acre (Detailed Breakdown)

Let’s break down the costs honestly.

Pond Preparation Cost

This includes:

• Drying

• Liming

• Fertilization

• Minor repair

Average cost:

• ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per acre

Many farmers skip proper preparation to save money—and pay later in poor growth.

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Seed Cost (Fingerlings)

Recommended stocking (polyculture):

• Rohu: 30–35%

• Catla: 25–30%

• Mrigal: 30–35%

Total seed count:

• 4,000–5,000 fingerlings per acre

Seed cost (quality seed):

• ₹1.5 to ₹3 per fingerling

Total seed cost:

• ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per acre

Cheap seed is the most expensive mistake in Rohu farming.

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Feed Cost (Biggest Expense)

Rohu depends heavily on feed once natural productivity drops.

Feed types:

• Commercial sinking feed (20–24% protein)

• Supplemented with rice bran and oil cake (in traditional systems)

Feed requirement:

• 3–4 tons per acre per cycle (average)

Feed cost:

• ₹28–35 per kg (commercial feed)

Total feed cost:

• ₹90,000 to ₹1,30,000 per acre

Feed is where most profit is made or lost.

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Medicines, Fertilizers & Water Management

Includes:

• Lime

• Probiotics

• Occasional medicines

• Water testing

Average cost:

• ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per acre

Overuse of medicines increases cost without improving survival.

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Labor & Miscellaneous Costs

Includes:

• Feeding labor

• Watch and ward

• Minor repairs

• Harvesting assistance

Average cost:

• ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per acre

Family labor reduces cash cost but not effort.

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Total Cost of Rohu Fish Farming Per Acre

Let’s total it honestly.

Low-cost disciplined farmer:

• ₹1.3–1.5 lakh per acre

Average realistic farmer:

• ₹1.6–1.9 lakh per acre

Poorly managed farmer:

• ₹2.2 lakh or more per acre

Costs creep silently over time.

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Rohu Fish Production Per Acre (Reality Check)

Under good management:

• Total fish yield: 3,000–4,000 kg per acre

• Rohu share: 1,000–1,400 kg

Under average conditions:

• Total yield: 2,500–3,200 kg

• Rohu share: 800–1,100 kg

High yields require discipline—not luck.

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Rohu Fish Selling Price in India

Market price varies by region and season.

Average farm-gate price:

• ₹140–200 per kg

Bulk sale price is usually lower than retail expectations.

For conservative calculation:

• ₹150–170 per kg average

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Income From Rohu Fish Farming Per Acre

Let’s calculate realistically.

Average Scenario

• Total fish sold: 3,000 kg

• Average price: ₹160/kg

Gross income:

• ₹4.8 lakh per acre

Total cost:

• ₹1.7 lakh

Net profit:

• ₹3.1 lakh per acre per year

This is a good, disciplined outcome, not a guarantee.

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Conservative Scenario

• Total fish sold: 2,500 kg

• Price: ₹150/kg

Gross income:

• ₹3.75 lakh

Cost:

• ₹1.8 lakh

Net profit:

• ₹1.95 lakh per acre

Still profitable—but far from “easy money.”

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Bad Management Scenario

• Poor growth

• High feed wastage

• Disease stress

Net profit:

• ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh
  Or even loss

This is more common than people admit.

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Why Many Rohu Farmers Earn Less Than Expected

The fish is not the problem. The assumptions are.

Common mistakes:

• Overstocking

• Overfeeding

• Cheap seed

• Ignoring water quality

• Expecting fast returns

Rohu rewards patience. It punishes shortcuts.

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Is Rohu Fish Farming Worth It?

Yes—but with the right expectations.

Rohu farming is:

• Low-risk compared to exotic species

• Stable for long-term income

• Ideal for conservative farmers

It is NOT:

• Fast cash business

• High-margin per kg model

• Suitable for impatient investors

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Who Should Choose Rohu Fish Farming?

Rohu farming suits:

• Farmers with pond access

• Families seeking steady income

• Beginners willing to learn basics

• Those prioritizing capital safety

It is a foundation fish, not a lottery ticket.

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Final Honest Verdict

Rohu fish farming can earn ₹2–3 lakh profit per acre per year under good management in India.

Not every year.
Not without discipline.
Not without patience.

But it works—quietly and consistently—for farmers who respect the biology and the business.

The biggest profit in Rohu farming is not money.
It is survivability.

And in agriculture, survival is profit.