This film documents the remarkable success of shrimp farming in landlocked Punjab, far from the coast. It follows pioneer Lakhwinder Singh and his neighbours as they transform saline, unproductive land into profitable aquaculture ponds.
The venture is labour-intensive, involving the careful preparation, filling, and continuous monitoring of ponds, including managing salinity, frequent feeding, and adding essential minerals or medicines. Farmers must also maintain a night watch to safeguard their stock.
Despite the demanding work, the rewards are significant: substantial harvests, steady employment for local young people, and international exports to Europe, the USA, and Asia. However, this success is precarious, threatened by volatile market prices, damaging tariffs, and the constant risk of disease outbreaks that can wipe out stock overnight.
Ultimately, this is a compelling narrative of entrepreneurial risk, agricultural reinvention, and the dedication required to successfully farm a marine species hundreds of kilometres inland.
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