Which Region Uses Fish Farming In India?
Fish Farming or, pisciculture uses tanks or enclosed fish ponds in raising fishes to be sold as food. For some, it is a solution to the overflowing problem in overfishing around the world. Fish farming in India is among the most popular form of agriculture. In 2018 is estimated at 6.24 million metric tons of fish production. At about 12.8 percent of the total animal protein consumed in India comes from freshwater fish.
Which region uses fish farming in India? The Northeast region of India uses fish farming, having abundant biodiversity and fisheries resources. It is recorded that over 0.214 million tons annually, with 50% coming from aquaculture in this region, is taking place rapidly.
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As you read on, you will realize that farm fishing has become a vital role in India’s fish production. You will also learn that doing farm fishing has advantages and that there are different types of fish farming ponds.
Northeast Region Of India
This region of India is comprised of the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripur, resulting in high demand for fish. Of more than 90% population of being a fish eater in these regions, this leads to having a gap between the supply and demand.
Although it produces over 0.214million tons of fish annually, it is still not enough for the residents of these said regions. Efforts of officials in these states are necessary to increase the present level of production, may it be in a horizontal or vertical expansion.
Rivers, coldwater streams, floodplain wetlands, reservoirs, lakes, ponds, paddy fields, and mini-barrages are some of the region’s edge than other regions. They can also support large-scale aquaculture activities and can also export the surplus.
If you’re wondering why this region is a center of farm farming, remember those rich bodies of waters that they have. This region of India is also ranked among those who have a potential for fish-cum-dairy.
Advantages Of Fish Farming In India
Ever thought of doing fish farming in India? Don’t worry because there are a few chances that it will fail. Here are some reasons:
- There are at least 60% of I Indians that consume fish as part of their regular meals.
- The demand for fish in the market says it all because it means that if the price and demand are high, good income is pouring.
- India’s subtropical and tropical climate is an advantage for fishes growth and production.
- Since there are a lot of water sources in India, it is not difficult for them to produce fish and grow them on the farm. It makes it easier for them because growing a fish on a farm is not a laborious process.
- They do not consider fish farming a complicated process because it comes along with their regular work that it can be managed by the other family members when, for instance, the head of the family is not around.
Types Of Fish Farming In India
When starting a fish farming business, you must know what types of ponds that’s suitable for your fish’s growth.
Nursery Pond
In this pond, not only fish can be grown in this, but also you can add 3-day old spawns that can attain a length of 2-3cm. Don’t be too rush as it takes about 30 days to grow.
Rearing Tank
Fingerlings can grow inside this tank In this tank. These fish can grow up to 12-15cm size but is not yet considered a full-grown fish until they can feed themselves.
Stocking Pond
In this pond, fingerlings are grown in the stocking and reared into marketable sized fish. However, the duration may vary between 8- 10 months, and there is no specific rule about this pond size. All they know is that they are range from one to two hectares.
Bio Pond
This type of pond involves settling tanks that are at times utilized as stocking ponds. On the other hand, the water meant for the fishpond is biologically purified in this pond.
Choosing Fish To Breed
After a thorough study on pond construction, it is now time to think of the right fish you would want for breeding. It will not be as easy as you think because you will need to consider reared fish- whether ornamental, freshwater or brackish water fish. Remember that choosing the right type of breed will depend on what kind of water that’s in your pond. You should also consider resource availability, climate conditions, and market demand.
Some fish that can be grown in an Indian pond is a carp variety of fish like rohu, catfish and grass carp. Farmers grow two or more fish breeds in the same pond because it ensures better utilization of resources. If you want more commercially species, consider loaches, barbs, freshwater sharks, danio, and goldfish in your care.
Feeding The Fish
Once you’re done with what fish you put in the pond, feeding them is the next step. For you to attain the right maximum weight as per market standards, make sure that your fish gets the right amount of food.
Consider feeding them the essential nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and fats, and other minerals in sufficient quantities. It is easier to maintain natural food in the fish pond like zooplankton, phytoplankton, and insect larvae.
In this way, the natural habitat necessary for the growth of the fish can be maintained to some extent. Remember that when feeding the top layer fish, floating pellets can be given to them, while those from the bottom can be given sinking pellets.
Conclusion
To summary it, though we know that India is a small country, aquaculture is not dead after all. They are using their water resources in a possible way they can to produce more fishes for exporting or simply as their meal. That they proved that fish farming is one effective way of growing fish in their natural way. There are lots of them in one region, but they do not take advantage of their resources. Instead, they’re helping each other to produce quality fish.