Anatha Vijaya, hailing from Besthapet in Bapatla, India, has emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of shrimp hatchery management as the sole fisherwoman to own and manage a shrimp hatchery in the country.

A Journey of Resilience and Determination

Born into a traditional fishermen family, Vijaya defied societal norms by becoming the first-generation post-graduate in her family. Her entrepreneurial spirit blossomed after marrying fisheries scholar Nagesh Babu. Vijaya describes the challenges of managing hatcheries as daunting, particularly the emotional toll of potential crop losses due to various factors, including viral infections.

Vijaya oversees the operations of two hatcheries, located in Bapatla and Kakinada, respectively. Each hatchery plays a crucial role in producing approximately 99 million shrimp seedlings per crop, which are then distributed to shrimp farmers across the country.

Navigating Regulatory Hurdles

Obtaining clearances from the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) to establish a hatchery is a significant undertaking, given the stringent regulations in place. With only 461 approved hatcheries in India, Vijaya stands out as the sole fisherwoman to hold a hatchery license. Compliance with CAA guidelines and maintaining global-standard infrastructure are paramount for Vijaya and her team.

Vijaya’s endeavors extend beyond hatchery management. She actively promotes local economic growth by providing indirect employment opportunities to dozens of locals. Through initiatives such as encouraging women to establish small businesses near the hatcheries, Vijaya fosters community development and empowerment.

Recognitions and Accolades

Vijaya’s contributions to the aquaculture sector have not gone unnoticed. As the state working president of the women’s wing of the National Federation of Fishermen (NAF), she has received numerous awards from state and union governments for her exemplary work.