Instituted in 1954, the Padma Shri is awarded by the Government of India to Indian citizens on occasion of Republic Day in recognition of their distinguished service and contribution in the fields of art, education, literature, science, medicine, social service, public affairs, agriculture and others such as animal husbandry.

Sri Batakrushna Sahoo, an elderly, progressive and professional fish breeder and seed producer of Odisha State, was conferred with the Padma Shri Award in 2020 in the discipline of animal husbandry. He is only the second person to receive it from the fishery and aquaculture sector.

This article documents Sr Sahoo’s beginnings, early entry into fish seed production with the establishment of a carp hatchery; his success and role in educating other farmers; and the establishment of the Aquaculture Field School Training Centre on the premises of his Sarakana Carp Hatchery.