BENGALURU — The ornamental fisheries market in Bengaluru is experiencing substantial growth, contributing to an estimated monthly revenue of around Rs 100 crore, as reported by the Fisheries Research and Information Centre. The Karnataka Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KAFSU) showcased popular ornamental fishes like Goldfish, Guppy, Sword Tale, Molly, and Widow Tetras at the recently organized Krishi Mela 2023 in the city.
Dr. Chethan N, a Fisheries Scientist at KAFSU, highlighted the remarkable transformation of the fisheries business in the past five years, citing a 15-20 percent rise. The market, once scattered, now boasts approximately 2,500 retail shops that are running profitable businesses, according to Dr. Chethan.
Goldfish emerged as the most sought-after ornamental fish, closely followed by Guppy, with the KAFSU selling nearly 800 small fishes within a day of the mela’s commencement. The fisheries business, encompassing both edible and ornamental fishes, has become more streamlined, and farmers are increasingly adopting pisciculture as an alternative source of income.
To further boost the fisheries sector, the state fisheries department in Karnataka is taking proactive measures. A recent training program targeted 50 farmers, aiming to educate them about the ornamental fish business. The program covered essential aspects such as creating a small ecosystem within their land, ensuring optimal breeding conditions for fishes, and using appropriate equipment to achieve desired results. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to bring Karnataka’s fishery business on par with well-established counterparts in states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.