Mr. Venkata Raju belongs to Kesavaram village in Andhra Pradesh, which is in the West Godavari district. He owns 9 acres of wetland and 14 acres of fish ponds, as his family is also engaged in agriculture. He strongly emphasized the fishing industry and managed an integrated farming system with husbandry, crops, and fisheries.
With his several experiments and innovative ideas, he won the Best Farmer award in fisheries. In his district, he was the first person to start hatching and rearing Indian catfish. He worked on research projects at various institutes, including the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), the KVK, the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, and the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).
He plays a significant role in supplying endangered species of fish to research centers.
In 2006, when the government came out with Operation Kolleru, his hopes were dashed. The fish ponds owned by the family over the last 60 years were destroyed, along with Mr. Venkata’s abilities, which inspired other individuals and organizations. An employer who provided employment opportunities to many people became unemployed overnight.
During this bad phase, he didn’t lose his willpower; he doubled his efforts to prove his abilities in other areas of development. He wanted to transform the unorganized agricultural sector into an organized one. With this concept, he investigated business operations for future development. This thought made him more determined to start an agri-based industry.
In April 2012, he started a firm called “Cold Space Agrotech India Private Limited” along with three other entrepreneurs. This business focused on offering post-harvest management services for vegetables and fruits.
This business aims to educate farmers in good agricultural practices and work with research centers, agricultural colleges, government organizations, individual farmers, and farmer-producer organizations. Also, their goal is to participate in mango melas arranged by the government or private sector.
He took the initiative, along with team members, to standardize the ripening process because of their experience in professional agriculture. They maintained global norms for uniform ripening and fruit quality. This initiative helps to provide employment opportunities in the village.
Today, 170 farmers and fruit vendors are served by Cold Space, which brings fruits from five states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
The firm is building relationships with extension officers, FPOs, university scientists, and supermarkets. Their goal is also to provide education to farmers about good agricultural practices.
Mr. Raju is a role model in expanding agriculture sectors and has received several awards. Because he adopted new fish technologies, he received an appreciation letter. Also, he won the first prize in a fisheries exhibition that was organized in Krishna district.
Over the next year, Cold Space Agro-tech India Pvt Ltd. is planning to expand the plant by automating hot water treatment and auto-grading facilities. The team also plans to create awareness among farmers and venture into natural farming.