Farming

The Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) found an alligator gar fish during routine cleaning of Dal Lake ahead of the G20 meeting in Srinagar. The large, carnivorous fish native to North America, with a potential length of up to eight feet, poses a significant threat to local fish species.

Government officials and scientists express alarm at the potential impact of the alligator gar on Dal Lake’s ecosystem. Shafeeqa Peer, a scientist with LCMA, emphasizes the fish’s predatory nature and its ban in certain parts of India, raising concerns about its threat to the natural species of Dal Lake.

The unexpected discovery has heightened fears of biodiversity disruption in Dal Lake, home to 17 distinct fish species vital for the livelihoods of 2,100 families. Local fishermen, known as “mahageers,” have witnessed a drastic decline in fish productivity, jeopardizing their traditional livelihoods.

Masood-ul-Hassan Balkhi, former dean of the faculty of fisheries at Sher-e-Kashmir University, expresses concern about the potential disruption to the lake’s ecology. LCMA, in collaboration with SKUAST’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, is launching an investigation into the appearance of the invasive gar fish.

Authorities are actively searching for the source of the fish and examining whether its presence is an isolated incident, an accident, or an intentional act. The Fisheries Department is treating the matter seriously, conducting a thorough investigation to determine the origins of the alligator gar in Dal Lake.

Researchers from the Central University of Odisha and the Zoological Survey of India have identified a new species of freshwater fish in the Kolab river, located in the Koraput district of Odisha. The discovery, named Garra laishrami, was made during an ichthyological survey by Supriya Surachita, a Department of Science & Technology Inspire Fellow.

Surachita’s research, conducted under the supervision of Prof. Sharat Kumar Palita, Dean of the School of Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources at CUO, focuses on the diversity, distribution, and threats to fishes in the freshwater bodies of Koraput in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha.

The newly discovered cyprinid, or freshwater fish, has been named after Dr. Laishram Kosygin of ZSI, in recognition of his contributions to the study of Indian freshwater fishes. The fish category Garra is known for its elongated shape, varying in size from small to medium, and is characterized by the presence of a gular disc. Typically found in regions from Borneo to West Africa, this particular variety, Garra laishrami, is unique to the Kolab river in Odisha’s Eastern Ghats.

The fish, ranging from 76 mm to 95.5 mm in length, has an added significance – it is edible, and local communities in the region consume it. Garra laishrami is usually found beneath rocks and among stones and boulders in torrential streams and rivers.

The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the Kolab river, and researchers believe that a more in-depth study of Koraput is essential to uncover various types of organisms in the region. Prof. Palita expressed optimism about the possibility of finding more new fish species in the area.

Details of the study on this new fish species have been published in the taxonomy journal “Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters” in Germany.

The district administration in West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, is utilizing abandoned mines to generate livelihood opportunities for the youth through fish farming. The innovative move not only fosters self-reliance among the youth but also curbs the migration of the workforce to other states, addressing socio-economic challenges in the rebel-hit region.

Officials report that the initiative, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, has proven instrumental in tackling rampant malnutrition in the area. A society of displaced individuals was formed, and fish farming, specifically using cage culture, was initiated in abandoned limestone mines at Kamarhatu and Karanjia. The endeavor, spanning 8-10 acres of land, has successfully generated income for the community, providing a sustainable source of livelihood.

District Fishery Officer Jayant Ranjan highlights the dual benefit of fish farming in these mines. It not only creates a livelihood for the local population but also contributes to addressing malnutrition concerns by providing abundant fish for consumption. Boating activities in the mines further contribute to the community’s earnings.

Ranjan expresses the administration’s commitment to expanding the initiative throughout the district, given the abundance of mines in West Singhbhum. Residents are encouraged to form societies to facilitate the implementation of fish farming in their respective areas.

Beneficiaries, mainly original landowners displaced due to mining activities, praise the initiative. Each society, comprising around 50 members, registers with the cooperative society. In one abundant mine, approximately 25 cages yield 2-3 tonnes of fish per season, with two caging seasons annually. The district administration provides comprehensive support for cage culture, enabling individuals to earn around 1.5 lakh per head per annum.

Arjun Mahapatra, a beneficiary, notes that the initiative has not only reduced migration but has also empowered local youth to become self-sufficient through fish farming. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has lauded the effort as a commendable step toward making the region’s youth self-reliant. The success of this project demonstrates the transformative impact of repurposing abandoned mines for sustainable and community-centric initiatives.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, undertook a visit to shrimp farms in Lahli village, Rohtak, and the Regional Centre of ICAR-CIFE, Rohtak, Haryana. Engaging directly with shrimp farmers, Dr. Likhi delved into the grassroots challenges faced by those involved in saline water shrimp farming.

As part of the National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) scheme, the Secretary distributed pedigreed common carp seed to selected farmers—an initiative pioneered by ICAR-CIFE. The move is set to bolster the aquaculture sector and enhance the quality of produce.

During discussions, Dr. Likhi underscored the imperative of converting barren land into lucrative aquafarming ventures. Scientists at ICAR-CIFE, during the visit, highlighted the extensive impact of groundwater salinization in inland states, affecting millions of hectares primarily in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Proposing aquaculture as a sustainable solution, Dr. Likhi emphasized its economic viability, foreseeing it as a key player in generating income through fish, prawn, and shrimp crops.

Presently, the four north Indian states mentioned produce 8554.15 metric tons annually from 2167 hectares of saline water aquaculture. However, the untapped potential spans 58,000 hectares in these states. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Department of Fisheries has approved a substantial project for the Genetic Improvement of Common Carp in Inland Saline Aquaculture, with an investment of Rs. 9.29 Crore.

Commending ICAR-CIFE for its commendable genetic improvement program, Dr. Likhi reviewed various activities undertaken by the institution. The Centre’s breakthrough technology, fortifying deficient ions in inland saline water, has been extended to thousands of acres across Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, contributing to a significant increase in production areas.

Expressing congratulations for this technological breakthrough, Dr. Likhi urged for greater awareness and widespread adoption of the technology in the four states boasting suitable acreage for saline water aquaculture. This strategic initiative aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to harnessing the full potential of 58,000 hectares, with the ultimate goal of doubling the income of fish farmers. The plan aims to revolutionize aquaculture practices, breathing new life into saline areas, turning them into thriving hubs of sustainable fish and shrimp farming.