Aquaculture

Fishermen from Paradeep, Odisha, struck gold when they hauled in a colossal Bhola fish weighing more than 110 kg from the deep sea. The extraordinary catch, a rare occurrence that happens only a few times a year, fetched a staggering price of Rs 25,000 in the bustling fish market of Digha, West Bengal.

The fishermen set out to sea in the night and were surprised to find the enormous Bhola fish entangled in their fishing net. Recognizing the rarity of their catch, they transported it to the Digha market, where eager buyers awaited. The auction of the massive fish witnessed spirited bidding, with Kolkata-based company BBC emerging as the winning bidder, sealing the deal at Rs 25,000.

The Bhola fish, renowned for its size and scarcity, holds more than just culinary value. Its intestines are known to command high prices, as they are utilized in the production of drugs. Notably, the maw of the Telia Bhola fish, another prized component, is also used in drug manufacturing, making it a sought-after commodity even in international markets.

Fishermen attested that such giant Telia Bhola fish make their appearance only two or three times a year. Capturing one of these colossal specimens can transform the fortune of the fisherman, propelling them to wealth with just a single catch.

This extraordinary catch not only marks a windfall for the fortunate fishermen but also underscores the economic and commercial significance of rare marine specimens, contributing to the livelihoods of those engaged in the fishing industry.

The Minister for Transport and Tourism, Sushanta Choudhury, called upon student researchers and scientists at the College of Fisheries, CAU (I), Lembucherra, to work towards achieving self-reliance in fish production for the state.

Minister Sushanta Choudhury made this appeal during the inauguration of the ‘Silver Jubilee Fest and Annual College Week 2023’ at the College of Fisheries in the Lembucherra area. Commending the achievements of the college in its 25 years, the minister highlighted the importance of the establishment of the College of Fisheries in 1998 as a significant milestone benefiting not only Tripura but also the entire northeastern region.

Expressing his joy over the college’s contributions at the national level, Choudhury emphasized the vital role played by agricultural and allied fields in the livelihoods and food security of the northeastern states. However, he raised concerns about Tripura’s low fish productivity compared to the national average.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by variable agro-climatic conditions and socio-economic factors, Minister Choudhury urged students and researchers to focus on developing technologies to enhance fish production, addressing the needs of the farmers in the region.

Highlighting the success of students from the college, the minister mentioned that three students secured top positions in the ICAR-JRF examination in 2013, 2016, and 2019. He also noted with satisfaction that 45 students from the college are serving as Agricultural Research Scientists in the ICAR setup, with many holding higher positions in universities and line departments.

The minister’s call for concerted efforts to boost fish production reflects a commitment to addressing regional challenges and promoting sustainable development in Tripura’s fisheries sector.

The Prakasam Shrimp Farmers’ Association has raised an alarm over the severe challenges faced by shrimp farmers in the region, attributing their plight to the escalating costs of feed and the perceived unaffordability of power tariffs. Association General Secretary D. Gopinath highlighted the urgency of proactive measures from both the Union and State governments to create a favourable environment for shrimp farmers.

Despite a partial recovery in shrimp prices from below ₹200 per kg to ₹260 per kg, farmers find themselves unable to break even due to the persistently high costs of feed and electricity, totalling an additional ₹70 per kg. The intense competition from global counterparts, particularly from countries like Ecuador, exacerbates the struggles faced by Andhra Pradesh shrimp farmers, according to Mr. Gopinath.

The feed cost remains stubbornly high at ₹86 per kg, even with a decline in input prices such as soybean and imported minerals, as noted by Gopinath. Seeking relief, Association President S. Anji Reddy urged the government to provide electricity to shrimp farmers at a subsidized rate of ₹1.50 per unit, irrespective of the unit’s size.

Many shrimp farmers in Prakasam have not benefited from the reduced power tariff, paying ₹4 per unit, particularly those engaged in aquaculture on degraded ‘DKT’ wasteland. Faced with losses exceeding ₹1 lakh per acre in the previous season, farmers are contemplating a crop holiday this season. Consequently, numerous hatcheries in the district have closed, prompting calls for a simplified clearance system from the Central government for struggling hatcheries.

Addressing the broader implications, Prakasam District Hatcheries Association President A.V. Satyanarayana Raju stressed the need for amendments to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act to encourage responsible aquaculture in coastal areas while preserving the environment. Failure to take corrective measures could result in a drastic 50% reduction in shrimp production, currently valued at ₹50,000 crore, adversely affecting the livelihoods of stakeholders in the coastal region, warned Association Joint Secretary Subbaji Chowdary.