Aquaculture

The aquaculture industry is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing demand for fish and seafood. To meet this demand, farmers need a variety of products to maintain healthy and productive farms.

Aquaculture products include items for pond maintenance, feed, pharmaceuticals, and other tools. These products help farmers keep their ponds clean, feed their fish properly, and prevent diseases.

Technological advancements have made aquaculture more efficient. For example, there are now better types of fish feed and improved ways to manage diseases. However, there are also challenges. The use of chemicals in aquaculture can be harmful to the environment and human health.

To address these concerns, the industry is focusing on developing eco-friendly products. This includes creating specialized drugs and sustainable feed. These products can help farmers maintain healthy fish populations while minimizing environmental impact.

In conclusion, the demand for aquaculture products is on the rise. These products are essential for the success of the aquaculture industry. By using advanced technologies and focusing on sustainability, farmers can meet the growing demand for fish and seafood while protecting the environment.

SOURCE – TAIWANNEWS

Ramani Boruah’s story is one of transformation. Before 2022, his fishpond wasn’t producing much. He relied on traditional methods that weren’t very effective. However, everything changed when Ramani participated in a training program on sustainable aquaculture practices offered by the Indo-German development project.

This program, called SAFAL, provided Ramani with the knowledge and skills he needed to significantly improve his fish production. He learned about critical aspects like pre-stocking, stocking, and post-stocking methods. But most importantly, he grasped the importance of maintaining a healthy natural food system in his pond – plankton.

Plankton are tiny organisms that serve as fish food. Ramani discovered ways to cultivate both phytoplankton (plant-based plankton) and zooplankton (animal-based plankton) using simple, local ingredients like wheat, urea, and cow dung. He even learned how his existing practice of using vermicompost (compost made with earthworms) contributed to plankton growth.

The results were impressive. By applying his newfound knowledge, Ramani increased his fish production by a whopping 177% in the 2022/2023 season! His income nearly tripled, and he went from catching 378 kgs of fish to a bountiful harvest of 593 kgs.

Ramani’s success story doesn’t end there. He’s become a role model in his village community.  He uses the profits from his rice farming to invest in fish farming, and vice versa. This smart strategy keeps him debt-free and inspires others to adopt similar sustainable practices.

Ramani believes that by sharing his knowledge and promoting sustainable aquaculture, he can empower his community and create a brighter future for generations to come.  His story is a testament to the power of education and its ability to transform lives and livelihoods.

SOURCE – INDIA TODAY NEWS

Exports of Indian marine products experienced an 8.74 percent decline, reaching USD 7.37 billion during the 2023-24 fiscal year, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry. This contraction is primarily attributed to a demand slowdown in key markets, including the US and Europe.

Despite the downturn, Indian exporters remain optimistic about the future. Leading industry figure, Yogesh Gupta, Managing Director of Megaa Moda, expressed confidence that marine exports would see substantial growth in 2024-25, citing robust order books and competitive advantages. “As the US has imposed an anti-dumping duty on Ecuador, our products will now have a competitive edge and are expected to increase exports,” Gupta noted. “With frozen shrimp from India and Ecuador competing in the US market, we are hopeful to gain market share. In 2024-25, our exports will register good growth.”

India has set an ambitious target to increase seafood exports to Rs 1 lakh crore over the next two years by enhancing processing capacity and shifting to higher value-added products. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, India achieved record seafood exports, shipping 17,35,286 tonnes of seafood valued at Rs 63,969.14 crore (USD 8.09 billion).

Frozen shrimp was the dominant export item in both quantity and value, with the US and China being the largest importers. In 2022-23, India exported 7,11,099 tonnes of frozen shrimp, earning Rs 43,135.58 crore (USD 5,481.63 million). The US alone imported 2,75,662 tonnes, accounting for USD 2.4 billion of the total shrimp exports.

India’s shrimp farming industry, with around 1 lakh farms predominantly located in Andhra Pradesh, continues to be a major contributor to the country’s marine exports. The top export destinations include the US, Europe, China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand. Besides frozen shrimp, other significant marine export products include frozen fish and frozen squid.

As Indian exporters gear up for the coming year, the focus remains on capturing larger market shares and achieving growth in the global seafood market.

Source: The Economic Times

Cage culture is rapidly gaining momentum across open water bodies in Kochi, presenting a significant shift in aquaculture practices. While traditionally prevalent in backwaters, this innovative technique is now making strides in public water bodies and quarries, offering a myriad of benefits ranging from boosting fisheries industries to curbing water pollution.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), affiliated with the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), has emerged as a pioneering force in promoting cage culture, particularly in abandoned quarries, which often pose risks due to their considerable depths, some reaching up to 100 feet.

Shinoj Subramannian, the programme coordinator at KVK, underscores the multifaceted advantages of cage culture in quarries. Notably, this approach enables safe harvesting from deep and potentially hazardous quarries. Genetic improved farmed (GIFT) Tilapia has emerged as the preferred fish species for such environments due to its adaptability and suitability for cage culture.

The district currently boasts over 1,200 fish cages, with 400 active aquaculture practitioners. More than 90% of these cages are situated in open water bodies, depicting a growing interest and uptake of cage culture among local communities. KVK aims to further encourage the utilization of water bodies by both panchayats and individuals.

Raji George, a quarry owner in Peechinikkad, Angamaly, shares her journey into cage culture, highlighting the transformation of her quarry into a thriving aquaculture site. The setting up of cages not only facilitates waste prevention but also fosters environmental stewardship by deterring waste dumping, with support from the fisheries department and the introduction of seeds from MPEDA.

Vikas, an aquaculturist at KVK, underscores the practical benefits of floating cage culture, particularly its ease of harvest. Despite initial challenges, including stocking density management and water quality control, collaborative efforts with experts like Prof. Bright Singh from Cochin University have led to significant advancements in pH management and ammonia control.

However, challenges persist, with limitations on fish species suitable for farming and profitability concerns associated with GIFT Tilapia. KVK officials acknowledge these challenges and are committed to addressing them to ensure the sustained growth of cage culture in Kochi’s water bodies.

An unprecedented growth trajectory is forecasted for India’s tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) sector, with projections indicating a surge to over 500,000 tonnes within the next five years. This optimistic outlook was shared by Dhaval Contractor, a partner at Vaishnavi Aquatech, one of the country’s prominent producers of this species, during a recent address.

Contractor attributed this anticipated boom in the monodon sector to the establishment of India’s inaugural state-of-the-art broodstock multiplication centre (BMC) for specific pathogen-free (SPF) monodon in 2021 by Vaishnavi Aquatech. He emphasized that this facility would serve as a pivotal catalyst for the rapid expansion of monodon shrimp production in the nation.

Highlighting the shifting preferences among farmers, Contractor noted that monodon shrimp are gaining traction in various regions of India, particularly in Gujarat. This shift is largely influenced by challenges faced by the L. vannamei sector, including disease outbreaks (notably EHP), declining survival rates, and heightened competition from Ecuador’s burgeoning vannamei sector.

While monodon production had witnessed a decline owing to the utilization of inferior quality wild seed, Contractor pointed out significant improvements observed in Moana monodon broodstock from the company’s BMC. These enhanced broodstocks have led to better-performing post-larvae (PLs), contributing to their rising popularity among farmers.

In 2021, Vaishnavi Aquatech supplied 300 million monodon PLs to farmers in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Given the escalating demand, the company has since established six hatcheries and has already distributed over 1 billion PLs in 2022.

Although India’s monodon harvest stood at a modest 34,000 tonnes in 2021-2022 and almost double in the 2022-2023 financial year, he projects this figure to reach closer to half a million tonnes within the subsequent five years.

Contractor underscored the significant improvements witnessed in Moana monodon, with growth rates nearly doubling to approximately 4 g per week compared to 2 g per week in 2008. Notably, some farmers in Gujarat have achieved two crops annually, marking a substantial improvement over past production rate.

Factors contributing to the growing appeal of monodon shrimp include their native status, which enhances resistance to pathogens like EHP compared to vannamei, lower technological and infrastructural requirements for cultivation, and the ability to attain sizes exceeding 50 g, commanding premium prices, particularly in Japanese and EU markets.

With an estimated 80-90 percent of farmers in Gujarat expected to transition to monodon cultivation next year, Contractor envisions an expansion of this trend into states like Orissa, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh. He concludes with an optimistic outlook, envisioning India’s ascent as the foremost producer of P. monodon shrimp, fostering smiles on farmers’ faces, and elevating aquaculture sustainability while satisfying global market demands for monodon shrimp prized for their superior texture and taste.

Vijayawada(NTR District): Aquaculture has emerged as the new frontier in agricultural pursuits within Krishna district, marking a significant departure from traditional crop cultivation practices. Over the past 15 years, the cultivation of various aquatic species including inland fish, prawns, brackish water shrimp, marine fish, and marine shrimp has witnessed an unprecedented surge, presenting a lucrative alternative for farmers amidst challenges in traditional agriculture.

With the specter of heavy losses looming over general agriculture, particularly in paddy and other conventional crops, farmers in Krishna district are increasingly turning towards aquaculture. While initial investments in shrimp and fish cultivation may seem daunting, the potential for substantial returns has drawn the attention of a large number of farmers. In many instances, successful aquaculture ventures have yielded returns five to ten times greater than the initial investment, incentivizing more farmers to venture into this burgeoning sector.

The extent of aquaculture in Krishna district has now surpassed 88,000 acres, spanning across nearly 20 mandals, with approximately 23,801 farmers actively engaged in this transformative agricultural practice. Following the district’s bifurcation, which resulted in 25 mandals, aquaculture has emerged as a key driver of economic activity and livelihood generation.

However, alongside the promising economic prospects, aquaculture also brings with it environmental concerns, particularly regarding groundwater pollution and potential impacts on public health. Despite these challenges, farmers are embracing three primary types of aquaculture: freshwater aqua farming (inland fish and prawns), brackish water shrimp cultivation, and marine fish and shrimp farming.

In Machilipatnam division, encompassing 11 mandals, inland, brackish, and marine aquaculture are flourishing across an extensive area of 51,440 acres. Notable mandals involved in these activities include Machilipatnam, Bantumilli, Nagayalanka, Kruthivennu, Koduru, Pedana, Guduru, Mopidevi, Challapalli, Avanigadda, and Ghantasala. The cultivation of L. Vannamei shrimp and other sea-based fishes has become a staple among the 11,838 farmers in this division.

Similarly, in Gudivada division, comprising mandals such as Nandivada, Gudivada, Gudlavalleru, Bapulapadu, and Unguturu, inland water aquaculture is thriving, with over 11,940 farmers cultivating Pangasius, Carp, and Rupchand fishes across 37,110 acres. Additionally, 23 farmers in Vuyyuru division are engaged in inland water aquaculture, cultivating Pangasius, Carp, and Rupchand fishes across 238 acres.

Fortified by the concerted efforts of farmers and supportive government policies, Krishna district has witnessed a remarkable surge in aquaculture production. This year alone, farmers have produced a staggering 13,61,943 metric tons of aqua products, including inland fish, inland prawn, brackish water shrimp, marine fish, and marine shrimp.

To further encourage aquaculture, district authorities and the fisheries department have streamlined the approval process for farmers, facilitating easy access to permissions and necessary resources. Government initiatives, including subsidy schemes, the establishment of fisheries societies, and fisheries hubs, have played a pivotal role in incentivizing aquaculture and supporting the transition of farmers towards this burgeoning sector.

The rise of aquaculture in Krishna district signals a paradigm shift in agricultural practices, offering a sustainable and lucrative alternative to traditional crop cultivation. With supportive policies and concerted efforts, aquaculture has the potential to revolutionize the farming landscape, driving economic growth and livelihood enhancement in coastal regions.

India, known for its diverse aquatic ecosystems, has experienced a notable evolution in its aquaculture landscape, marked by the increasing cultivation of non-native fish species alongside indigenous ones. This transformation, while promising enhanced fish production and socioeconomic development, has triggered debates surrounding its ecological ramifications. In this extensive exploration, we delve into the intricate dynamics of non-native fish species in Indian aquaculture, examining their advantages, potential adverse effects, and outlining crucial perspectives for sustainable management.

Advantages of Cultivating Non-Native Fish Species

The cultivation of non-native fish species has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with species such as pangasius (Pangasianodon hypoththalmus), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), red-bellied pacu (Piaractus brachypomus), bighead carp (Aristichtys nobilis), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), and others gaining prominence. These species have been introduced to supplement fish production and cater to the increasing demand for fish protein. Pangasius and Nile tilapia, in particular, have been legally introduced in recent years, reflecting efforts to diversify aquaculture practices.

The advantages of cultivating non-native species extend beyond mere production gains. Pangas or sutchi catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalamus), for instance, have emerged as a popular choice among catfish producers in India due to their fast growth, high stocking densities, and resilience to poor water quality. Pangas cultivation, with an annual production exceeding 0.8 million tons, has significantly contributed to aquaculture production in the country.

Similarly, Chinese carps, including common carp, grass carp, bighead carp, and silver carp, have played a pivotal role in commercial aquaculture. Common carp, known for its fast growth, is extensively cultured in seasonal tanks, providing a cost-effective source of fish protein for rural communities. Grass carp, valued for its ability to control aquatic weeds, has also gained popularity, particularly in tank-based systems

Potential Adverse Effects on Local Species

Despite their socioeconomic benefits, the introduction of non-native species raises concerns regarding their potential adverse effects on indigenous biodiversity. The proliferation of non-native species, both deliberate and inadvertent, poses significant ecological risks, including competition for resources, habitat degradation, and genetic interactions with native species.

Of particular concern is the impact of non-native species on small indigenous fish species in India. The culture of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), despite being banned, has persisted due to its fast growth and low operational costs. However, the popularity of African catfish farming has raised alarms among scientists, who warn of its adverse effects on native biodiversity.

Moreover, the release of non-native species into natural water bodies, whether intentional or accidental, further exacerbates ecological risks. Escaped individuals from aquaculture systems can establish self-sustaining populations in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, outcompeting native species and altering ecosystem dynamics.

Ecological Consequences and Challenges

The proliferation of non-native fish species in natural ecosystems poses multifaceted challenges, necessitating urgent scientific evaluation and management interventions. Escaped individuals, such as African catfish and pacu, have been detected in various water bodies across India, highlighting the urgency of addressing their ecological impacts.

The spread of non-native species can lead to habitat degradation and loss of native biodiversity, disrupting the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems. Populations of non-native species may exhibit exponential growth and aggressive behaviour, further exacerbating their ecological footprint.

Furthermore, the lack of comprehensive research on the interactions between non-native and native species impedes our understanding of their ecological consequences. There is a pressing need for studies examining the biological interactions, habitat preferences, and potential for hybridization between non-native and native species in Indian waters.

Perspectives for Sustainable Management

In light of the ecological risks associated with non-native species, there is an urgent need for sustainable management strategies in Indian aquaculture. Policy interventions, stringent regulations, and stakeholder engagement are paramount for mitigating environmental risks and promoting ecological sustainability.

Comprehensive research initiatives focusing on the biological interactions between non-native and native species are essential for informing management decisions and developing robust conservation strategies. Collaborative efforts between governmental agencies, research institutions, and aquaculture stakeholders are crucial for implementing effective management frameworks.

Furthermore, public awareness campaigns and educational programs can foster a greater understanding of the ecological impacts of non-native species and promote responsible aquaculture practices. By prioritizing ecological sustainability alongside socioeconomic development, India can navigate the complexities of non-native species cultivation and ensure a resilient and inclusive aquaculture sector for future generations.

Final Word

The cultivation of non-native fish species in Indian aquaculture presents a complex interplay of advantages and challenges. While these species offer significant production gains and socioeconomic benefits, their proliferation in natural ecosystems raises concerns about their ecological impacts. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach, encompassing scientific research, policy interventions, and stakeholder engagement. By prioritizing ecological sustainability and responsible aquaculture practices, India can achieve a harmonious balance between fish production and environmental conservation in its aquaculture sector.

A remarkable transformation is underway in the heart of Odisha, lead by women determined to revive a disappearing delicacy and empower their communities. A decade and a half ago, the mola fish (Amblypharyngodon mola), a small indigenous species (SIS), was a culinary staple in Odia cuisine. However, environmental challenges such as changing climatic conditions, pollution, and the indiscriminate use of pesticides and fertilizers led to its gradual disappearance from local water bodies. But hope emerged when women, at the forefront of village-level programs, initiated efforts to restore the mahurali fish, known as chunna maacha locally, not just as a culinary delight but as a source of income and nutrition.

In September 2018, the Fish and Animal Resource Development (FARD) Department of Odisha launched an encouraging initiative to support Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) in scientifically farming fish in gram panchayat tanks. The focus? Promoting nutrition-sensitive pond polyculture by reintroducing the nutrient-rich mola alongside Indian major carps.

In villages like Badasahi, located in the Marapur gram panchayat in Mayurbhanj, women-led WSHGs embraced this initiative wholeheartedly. Taking up the mantle of nutrition-sensitive pond polyculture in 2019, a 12-member WSHG leased a five-acre village pond and introduced the SIS fish variety. Ashtami Killar, a member of the SHG, expressed their journey, highlighting the shift from merely selling fish to actively managing the pond, nurturing the fish, and reaping the benefits. The result? An additional Rs. 10,000 annually per household, transforming lives and livelihoods.

The success of such tasks was further bolstered by the Odisha Fisheries Policy of 2015, which aimed to enhance fish production across the state. By promoting fishing in underutilized gram panchayat (GP) tanks and fostering collaboration between various departments and WSHGs, the program gained momentum. Currently, 7,960 GP tanks covering over 6,742.36 hectares are leased out to 7,829 WSHGs, symbolizing a remarkable convergence of efforts towards sustainable development.

Debananda Bhanj, Additional Director of Fisheries, Odisha, emphasized the importance of training and guidance provided to WSHGs, ensuring sustainable and profitable fish production. The target of 2,500 kilograms per hectare crop in GP tanks underscores the commitment to economic viability alongside nutritional enrichment.

Yet, the impact of this gender-sensitive approach transcends mere economic gains. Shakuntala Thilsted, a CGIAR scientist specializing in nutrition-sensitive approaches, hailed it as a transformative endeavour, empowering women to take charge while addressing malnutrition within their communities. The reintroduction of mola fish not only augments household incomes but also ensures the availability of nutritious food, combating malnutrition at its root.

Sandhayarani Biswal from Mankidia village exemplifies the shift in mindset, envisioning the preparation of fish powder for mid-day meals and anganwadi centres, further amplifying the nutritional impact within and beyond their communities.

However, the journey towards nutrition-sensitive aquaculture is not without challenges. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as input subsidies provided by the government, have been instrumental in mitigating financial risks and fostering sustainability. The revenue generated from GP tanks in the year 2021-22 stood at an impressive Rs. 29.07 crore, reflecting the program’s economic viability.

Moreover, efforts to address seed availability challenges through the establishment of hatcheries signify a commitment to scalability and sustainability. With the capacity to produce up to 500 million mola spawns annually, the hatchery in Jagatsinghpur district stands as a beacon of hope, paving the way for widespread adoption of nutrition-sensitive aquaculture.

Sourabh Dubey, an aquaculture expert with WorldFish, underscored the simplicity and scalability of the breeding protocol, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize aquaculture practices not only in Odisha but across regions prioritizing nutrition-sensitive approaches.

As Odisha continues its journey towards sustainable development and nutritional security, the role of women as catalysts of change remains central. Through their resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment, they are not only reviving a lost delicacy but also transforming lives and nourishing communities, one fish at a time.

Source: Mongabay

Images: WorldFish

To strengthen the aquaculture industry in Andhra Pradesh, particularly among Scheduled Caste communities, the National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture (NCSA), a division of the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), recently conducted a comprehensive three-day training program in Chodavaram village, Nagayalanka mandal, Krishna district.

The training initiative aimed to equip aqua farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure the production of pathogen-free fish and shrimp. Participants were instructed in various essential practices, including pond preparation, seed fish release, and feeding techniques, all crucial for achieving high-quality yields. Upon successful completion of the training, participants received certificates, acknowledging their newfound expertise.

MPEDA regularly organizes training programs, ranging from three to five days, to promote sustainable shrimp aquaculture and diversification among farmers, particularly those from marginalized communities. These efforts are geared towards empowering individuals interested in aquaculture as a means of self-employment or livelihood enhancement.

Furthermore, MPEDA facilitates one-day farmers’ meets across different farming regions, providing a platform for farmers to voice their concerns, exchange experiences, and receive technical guidance from experts. These meetings serve as avenues for knowledge-sharing and address challenges faced by farmers in their day-to-day activities.

Awareness programs, typically conducted in half-day sessions, are organized to disseminate information about new developments, schemes, and best practices in aquaculture. These initiatives include campaigns against the misuse of antibiotics and promote opportunities for diversified aquaculture.

MPEDA also organizes interstate study tours, enabling farmers to visit aquaculture facilities in other coastal states. These tours provide valuable learning opportunities, allowing farmers to explore innovative practices and interact with peers and industry experts from different regions.

Demonstration programs play a crucial role in showcasing new farming technologies and techniques to farmers. By conducting demonstrations in farmers’ ponds, MPEDA facilitates the adoption of commercial culture practices for high-value species like Seabass, Tilapia, and mangrove crab.

Through its diverse range of initiatives, MPEDA is actively working to enhance the skills and knowledge of aqua farmers in Andhra Pradesh, thereby contributing to the growth and sustainability of the aquaculture sector in the region.

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) has unveiled hatchery technology for the production of picnic seabream (Acanthopagrus berda), a lucrative marine food fish. This development marks a pivotal moment in diversifying the country’s mariculture activities, offering promising prospects for enhanced seafood production and economic growth.

Picnic seabream, also known as black seabream and goldsilk seabream, boasts exceptional meat quality and commands a high market value, fetching prices ranging from Rs. 450 to 500 per kilogram in the domestic market. Recognized for its rapid growth rate, robust disease resistance, and adaptability to varying environmental conditions such as salinity and temperature fluctuations, this species holds immense potential for mariculture ventures.

Dr. A Gopalakrishnan, Director of CMFRI, anticipates that the newly developed hatchery technology will catalyze a surge in India’s mariculture sector by facilitating species diversification and bolstering marine finfish production. He envisions a future where Indian mariculture experiences exponential growth, catering to the escalating demand for seafood.

The institute’s next objective is to standardize the farming protocol for picnic seabream, considering the lack of previous records regarding breeding and aquaculture practices for this species within the country. Dr. Gopalakrishnan underscores the promising commercial prospects associated with mariculture of picnic seabream, emphasizing its pivotal role in meeting the rising demand for seafood and maximizing economic benefits.

With India aiming to achieve a fish production target of 4 to 5 million metric tonnes through mariculture within the next decade, species diversification assumes paramount importance. Dr. Gopalakrishnan highlights the significance of enhancing marine cage farming systems across coastal states to realize this ambitious goal.

This milestone marks the seventh marine food fish for which breeding technology has been developed by CMFRI, following successful endeavors with species such as cobia, silver pompano, Indian pompano, orange-spotted grouper, pink ear emperor, and John’s snapper. CMFRI stands ready to transfer these pioneering technologies to interested parties seeking to engage in commercial seed production, thereby fostering growth and innovation within India’s mariculture sector.