Farming

Wang Changgui, a farmer from Ordos in Inner Mongolia, has transformed his fortunes through shrimp farming in saline ponds. Initially facing challenges, he mastered the craft with expert assistance, turning shrimp farming into a lucrative venture. Wang, now a seasoned aquaculturist at 60, expects significant income from his 25 metric tons of shrimp output, leveraging the region’s saline soil. Ordos, known for its saline land, has successfully embraced shrimp farming, contributing to increased production value and improved local incomes.

Ordos, situated near the Kubuqi Desert, utilizes its saline soil for shrimp farming, a practice initiated in 2015. With the support of experts, the region adjusted salinity and temperature levels, doubling shrimp yields. The annual production value reached approximately 30 million yuan last year, highlighting the success of shrimp farming in Ordos. Zhu Changbo, a former researcher now assisting in shrimp breeding techniques, emphasizes adjusting saline water to ideal conditions. The process not only fosters a new aquaculture sector but also maximizes the use of byproducts from local desalination efforts, aiding in preventing desertification.

Zhu notes that using saline removed from waterways for shrimp farming contributes to plant growth and soil fixation, serving as an effective anti-desertification measure. The shrimp, raised in saline ponds, offer a taste similar to those harvested from the sea. Zhu assures consumers concerned about seafood safety that these shrimp, far from the sea, are a secure choice. Ordos primarily sells its shrimp to nearby cities such as Hohhot, Baotou, and Yinchuan.

To further enhance shrimp farming, Ordos has experimented with using greenhouses instead of outdoor ponds. While greenhouses provide twice-annual yields due to higher temperatures, they require increased labor input. The aim is to establish saline water fisheries as a means to boost incomes and prevent desertification, creating more “fishery oases” in saline lands.

Source: China Daily

Fish farming is emerging as a promising career option for young farmers in the Kupwara district, drawing a significant number of youths to engage in this venture for livelihood and employment creation. The private sector, in particular, has witnessed a notable increase in fish farmers, attracting individuals, including those with high qualifications, to participate in fish farming activities.

Kupwara, with its abundant water bodies, Nallahs, and cold-water streams, holds immense potential for fish farming. Recognizing this opportunity, the fisheries department and district administration have established 68 Trout units and 68 carp units in the private sector, along with 6 government sector centres (3 each for trout and carp) to enhance self-employment opportunities.

Under the PMSSY scheme, the fisheries department has provided financial assistance totalling 26.4 lakhs to 12 farmers. Additionally, 54 Angling Permits have been issued, allowing the use of artificial flies, with each permit permitting the angler to keep six fish a day at a cost of 1,000 rupees.

In terms of revenue generation, fish farmers have contributed around Rs 2.80 crore through trout fish farming and Carp fish units annually. The department itself has earned Rs. 29 lakh from various resources in the government fisheries sector. Moreover, the department has released 485,990 fish seeds into natural water bodies, providing assistance to fishermen for low-cost housing, covering around 314 families.

Assistant Director Fisheries Kupwara, Sajad Ahmad Dar, highlighted the significant increase in trout fish production from 5 tonnes eight years ago to approximately 60 tonnes annually. The department’s financial assistance under the Livelihood scheme has supported 556 fishermen with Rs 16.68 lakhs and 12 fish farmers with 26.4 lakhs in the year 2023. This year, 623 fishermen received assistance totalling 18.69 lakhs.

The establishment of a fish sale centre for private fish farms has been a pivotal step, allowing farmers to sell their produce and significantly contributing to achieving good production. The department’s continuous support in education and necessary assistance has played a crucial role in the success of fish farming in the region.

With its abundant water resources, District Kupwara serves as a conducive environment for the development of cold-water fisheries, especially trout. The fisheries department’s proactive role in providing support and creating awareness has spurred a growing number of youth to opt for fish farming as a viable source of livelihood in Kupwara.

Jamshedpur: Deputy Development Commissioner Manish Kumar presided over a crucial meeting on fisheries sector at the District Auditorium in Jamshedpur recently. The meeting, attended by fish farmers, cooperative society members, and Matsya Mitras, aimed at charting a path for the revitalization of the fisheries sector in the region.

Expressing a vision for East Singhbhum to become a flourishing hub of fish production within the next year, Deputy Development Commissioner Kumar emphasized the need to quintuple the current fish production. He made it clear that cooperative societies exhibiting laxity would not be eligible for government benefits. The Jharkhand Government’s various schemes designed to empower farmers and fishermen were highlighted, with a call for increased awareness and utilization of these initiatives.

The Deputy Development Commissioner underscored the significance of incorporating science and technology in fisheries activities, urging fishermen to embrace the latest technological advancements. Plans were set in motion for a district-level workshop on the upcoming Saturday, with attendees encouraged to bring additional individuals from their Gram Panchayats, prioritizing those with existing ponds. The Deputy Development Commissioner proposed the selection of three individuals associated with fisheries as master trainers, aiming to expand the reach of fisheries across villages through future block-level workshops.

A thorough review of existing cooperative societies involved in fish production was conducted, with an emphasis on the equitable distribution of government assets. Measures were outlined to engage new individuals in the fisheries sector and replace those showing little interest. Regular field visits by the District Fisheries Officer and Fisheries Extension Officer were mandated to raise awareness about fisheries schemes.

Concerns about encroachments on government ponds prompted the Deputy Development Commissioner to request a compiled list following an executive meeting. Provisions for pond renovation, provided by the state government through the land conservation department, were assured for ponds ranging from one to five acres. For smaller ponds, both private and government-owned, renovation under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) was guaranteed. Fish farmers were encouraged to renovate their private ponds, incorporating elements such as fruit tree plantations, duck rearing, scaffold farming, and herbal and medicinal gardens. These initiatives, under the Horticulture Department, aim to benefit both farmers and fishermen.

PONDA: The Sanjivani Sugar Factory, which ceased operations in 2019-20, is making a strategic comeback by launching various revenue-generating initiatives. In the latest move, the factory has ventured into fish farming, following its earlier successful projects in vegetable and fruit production.

The fish breeding unit was inaugurated using abandoned pits excavated two decades ago. Three such pits have been repurposed for fish farming, with around 1500 seeds of various fish varieties like rohu, catla, and common carp introduced into the breeding pits. Officials from the Fisheries Department, along with Sanjivani Sugar Factory Administrator Satej Kamat, were present at the launch.

According to fisheries department officials, it will take approximately six months for the different types of fish to grow to a weight of around 1.5 kg. Kamat expressed optimism about the positive impact of fish farming on the factory’s revenue.

He highlighted the revenue growth from Rs 6,000 per month in 2022 to approximately Rs 3 lakh per month by the end of 2023, attributing it to previous initiatives. With the addition of fish farming to the revenue-generating portfolio, Kamat aims to reach a monthly revenue target of Rs 5 lakh by the end of the initiative.

The innovative cage culture method of fish farming in Gumla district is yielding positive outcomes for numerous farmers, with an anticipated sale of about two lakh kilograms of fish, valued at Rs two crore, in the markets after the conclusion of the holy month of Shravan. The project, initiated in March last year, involves floating cages across 3,600 square hectares in the Dhansingh reservoir of Basia block for fish culture.

Originally conceived by former Deputy Commissioner Sushant Gaurav as part of special central assistance to generate employment opportunities in left-wing extremism regions, the initiative has been a collaborative effort involving the formation of different cooperative societies comprising 190 farmers, including 103 displaced individuals from Sakiya village. These farmers were allocated cages for fish farming and provided with essential resources such as fish feeds, medicines, paddle boats, and life jackets.

Gumla Fishery Officer Kusum Lata highlighted the success of the project, noting that the fish, now weighing over 700 grams each, are ready for sale. Each farmer is expected to earn around Rs one lakh from the venture, benefiting approximately 350 to 400 people directly and indirectly.

Gumla’s new Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi expressed plans to expand the initiative to other large water bodies in the district, recognizing the significant potential for pisciculture in Gumla. The district administration aims to ensure the sustainability of the project through proper market arrangements and effective management.

Senior journalist Herjinder unveiled the captivating narrative of how the British successfully introduced trout fishing to India during the 19th century in his latest book, “A Fish in Alien Streams.” This compelling story delves into the determined efforts of naturalists, buccaneers, and governors who played pivotal roles in transporting cold-water fish from Europe and Britain to India, acclimatizing it to rivers in regions such as Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Nilgiris, and Travancore.

In a recent interview, Herjinder discusses various aspects, including the British fascination with trout fishing, the challenges they faced, why angling failed to gain popularity among India’s royals, and the threats posed by pollution to freshwater biodiversity.

The initial attempts to introduce trout in the Nilgiris in 1863 faced failures, as did subsequent efforts by Francis Day and others. However, the breakthrough occurred in Kashmir in 1891, credited to Frank Mitchell. The book sheds light on Mitchell’s pivotal role in initiating the journey of European brown trout into Indian rivers.

While the British wrote extensively about angling in India, there is limited literature specifically dedicated to trout fishing. Some booklets were produced, but no comprehensive works were authored, making researching the subject challenging. The sheer determination of the British to bring trout to India against the odds adds intrigue to the story.

Addressing angling in India, Herjinder notes that it failed to captivate the royals and elite, who were more inclined towards shikar (hunting). Commercial fishing, reserved for lower castes, may have discouraged the royals from pursuing angling.

Unlike popular sports such as cricket, hockey, or badminton, angling couldn’t gain traction in India, failing to become a sport among the middle class or a permanent recreational activity among the elite. The absence of a dedicated community of Indian trout enthusiasts further contributed to its limited appeal.

While there is a small number of Indian anglers, Himachal Pradesh’s active anglers’ association has seen success. However, efforts to promote recreational fisheries in India are primarily directed at foreign tourists rather than the Indian populace.

Addressing threats to biodiversity, Herjinder emphasizes the urgent need to save fish fauna in rivers, especially species like the mahseer. The dwindling numbers of trout in India also require attention, and initiatives similar to the Act for Mahseer project could be explored.

The interview underscores the critical role of preserving native fish species in the subcontinent, which, once lost, cannot be replaced, making conservation efforts imperative.

Source: Money Control

Nagaland, known for its picturesque landscapes, is now making waves in aquaculture, with the common carp (Cyprinus Carpio) emerging as a pivotal species in the region’s composite farming systems. The common carp has not only become a dominant fish species in rice-fish farming but is also proving its adaptability in hilly and cold regions where major carps face challenges.

Common carp, recognized for its ability to survive cold winters, endure low oxygen concentrations (0.3-0.5 mg/litre), and even supersaturation, has become a linchpin in Nagaland’s aquaculture practices. The Aqua Nest Murrel Hatchery, operating since 2020, has played a crucial role in promoting the cultivation of common carp, making it an essential species for the local community.

Known for its versatility, common carp are primarily bottom dwellers but exhibit a unique behaviour of searching for food in the middle and upper layers of water bodies. In the polyculture system, carps can achieve an impressive body weight of 0.6 to 1.0 kg within a single season.

Food and Feeding Habit:

Omnivorous by nature, common carp exhibit a preference for water insects, insect larvae, worms, mollusks, and zooplankton. Additionally, they consume aquatic and terrestrial plant stalks, leaves, seeds, and decayed aquatic plants. Supplementary diets such as oil cake and rice bran are also readily accepted.

Breeding and Seed Production:

Common carp breeding is typically conducted in confined water, with spawning occurring in shallow, weed-infested areas. Breeding operations take place in hapas, cement tanks, or small ponds, utilizing submerged aquatic plants as substrata for egg laying. The resulting fry, aged 4 to 5 days, are then stocked into nursery ponds.

Broodstock Maintenance and Selection:

Before the breeding season, healthy male and female common carp are segregated and placed in separate ponds or tanks. Artificial food, a blend of oil cake and rice bran in a 1:1 ratio, is fed to breeders at 2-3% of their total body weight. The selection of breeders is a meticulous process conducted in condition hapas, ensuring the health and readiness of the brooders.

Breeding Operation:

Hapas or cisterns are commonly used for breeding operations, with male and female common carp stocked in a 1:1 ratio by weight. The water used for breeding must be fresh and free of algal bloom. Adhesive eggs are collected using materials such as Hydrilla, Najas, palm or coconut fibers, and synthetic fibers of gunny bags.

Spawning occurs mainly during the night to early morning, with the breeders introduced into hapas or tanks in the evening. After spawning within 6-10 hours, the brooders are released into the pond. Fertilized eggs, examined for pale dirty yellow color, are then transferred to well-prepared, predatory-free nursery ponds for hatching.

Hapa Hatching:

Hapa hatching, a pivotal phase in the breeding process, involves a double-walled enclosure fixed in the pond. The outer hapa, made of bolting cloth, and the inner hapa, made of mosquito net cloth, facilitate uniform egg distribution. Hatching times range from 36-72 hours, with hatchlings escaping to the outer hapa. Once hatching is complete, the inner hapa containing egg shells is removed.

Breeding Through Hormone Administration:

Stripped spawning involves inducing selected males and females with carp pituitary gland extract or inducing agents like ovaprim, ovatide, or WOVA-FH. The egg-milt mixture is treated to remove adhesiveness, ensuring free-floating eggs for incubation.

Spontaneous spawning is conducted in earthen ponds or cement cisterns, with egg collectors provided for attachment. Female brooders are induced with synthetic hormones and released into spawning pools with synthetic fiber. After breeding, broods are removed, and the eggs are incubated until hatching occurs.

The success of common carp farming in Nagaland highlights the region’s commitment to innovative aquaculture practices, with Aqua Nest Murrel Hatchery leading the way. As the community reaps the benefits of sustainable fish farming, common carp remains a crucial species in Nagaland’s thriving aquaculture landscape.

Aquapurna and Billund Aquaculture have initiated the development of the largest high-intensity recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) shrimp farm globally, scheduled to commence construction in January 2024. Situated at the Sigmundshall Industrial Site near Wunstorf, Germany, this collaborative endeavor envisions introducing initial shrimp larvae into the farm by the close of 2024, with a targeted annual production of 800 metric tons of vannemei shrimp.

Having formalized their partnership in 2022, Aquapurna and Billund Aquaculture secured substantial investments for this ambitious undertaking. Kassel-based K+S, specializing in minerals and raw materials, contributed over EUR 10 million, while Aquapurna garnered a minimum of EUR 1 million from private investors in the food and retail sectors to facilitate construction expenses.

Functioning as a large-scale proof of concept, the farm is poised to exhibit the combined expertise of Aquapurna, specializing in a distinctive shrimp-farming system, and Billund Aquaculture, renowned for its cutting-edge water treatment technology.

Aquapurna’s Managing Director, David Gebhard, emphasized the substantial contribution to sustainable and autonomous food supply in Europe through collaboration with K+S. The project aims to validate the feasibility of a large-scale, state-of-the-art shrimp recirculating aquaculture system, focusing on scalability and high-density operations.

The construction plan encompasses three phases, with the initial phase involving a 4,000-square-meter production hall and infrastructure wing slated for completion by mid-2025. Following the establishment of stable operations, the farm’s production capacity is anticipated to multiply sixfold, culminating in two production halls covering an extensive area of approximately 18,000 square meters.

With K+S providing land and physical infrastructure at the Sigmundshall Industrial Site, the collaborative venture holds the potential to incorporate six additional RAS modules, spanning 30,000 square meters. The farm’s commitment to sustainability includes the integration of solar panels and a 98% water reuse system within the grow-out tanks.

Expressing his aspirations, Aquapurna CEO David Gebhard envisions creating a scalable solution for localized shrimp farming across Europe. The ultimate goal is to supply delectable shrimp globally while upholding environmental conservation. The project’s success is anticipated to secure government approval for additional modules, substantially amplifying production capacity.

Billund Aquaculture, headquartered in Denmark, brings its extensive experience in designing and implementing RAS farms, with over 140 global projects. Chief Sales Officer Bjarne Hald Olsen underscored the comprehensive efforts invested in determining the most efficient setup, marking a pivotal advancement in aquaculture technology.

Oman, a nation typically renowned for its oil and gas industry, is making waves in an unexpected domain – shrimp farming in the desert. Leveraging its expansive coastal regions and clean, warm waters meeting the Arabian Sea, Oman is venturing into shrimp aquaculture, joining the global drive for sustainable seafood production.

The Sultanate of Oman, where seafood consumption surpasses the world average, is strategically positioned for shrimp farming. The government is actively promoting the aquaculture sector, implementing policies, providing infrastructure, and simplifying regulatory processes. Shrimp farming is seen as a catalyst for economic development, offering employment opportunities, increasing seafood production, and boosting exports.

Blue Aqua International, a key player in sustainable aquaculture technology, introduces its patented “Mixotrophic System” in Oman. This system, managing phytoplankton and bacteria throughout the production cycle, enhances environmental conditions, reduces waste, lowers energy consumption, and minimizes the risk of disease outbreaks. Blue Aqua International aims to establish a successful model for urban shrimp farming with support from Fisheries Development Oman.

Shrimp farming in a desert environment might seem unconventional, but examples from countries like the United States showcase its feasibility. Royal Caridea LLC in Arizona successfully implemented GEN 2 Shrimp Farming Technology, a closed vertical production method. The desert’s untapped, low-salinity water resources contribute to shrimp health and quality, mitigating disease risks and promoting growth.

While the desert offers advantages, challenges include water quality, salinity levels, and limited suitable farm locations. Specialized knowledge and technical expertise are crucial for developing and operating farms. Adequate infrastructure, including electricity, water supply, transportation, and processing facilities, is essential for sustainable operations.

The global perspective on shrimp farming is evolving, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly practices. Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) highlights the potential for shrimp farms to drive mangrove protection and restoration. By integrating multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) or polyculture, farms can generate multiple revenue streams while minimizing environmental impact.

Consumer preferences for safer, habitat-friendly shrimp sources are driving industry transformations. As shrimp farming diversifies into unique environments, such as deserts, and embraces eco-friendly practices, stakeholders are poised to meet evolving demands and contribute to sustainable aquaculture globally.

As the winter season takes hold, the Punjab Fisheries Department has issued guidelines to educate fish farmers in the state on the special requirements for the care of cold-blooded aquatic species during this period.

With an anticipation of decreasing temperatures, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, the Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries in Punjab, stressed the significance of maintaining pond water levels at 6-7 feet. This precaution ensures sufficient space for fish to hibernate in the warmer depths of the pond.

Farmers are urged to adapt fish feed according to the prevailing temperature, with a suggestion to decrease or suspend the use of organic feed to prevent the accumulation of excess feed at the pond’s bottom, which can adversely affect water quality. The guidelines propose the addition of fresh water or the use of aerators to address morning oxygen deficiencies. Regular monitoring of water pH levels is also advised.

Minister Khuddian underscored the importance of fish farmers having oxygen tablets or powder readily available at their farms. Furthermore, the guidelines recommend the application of 400 ml per acre of CIFAX in ponds to protect fish from parasitic diseases such as fin rot, gill rot, EUS, and argulosis, which are more prevalent during the winter season.

To counteract algal blooms resulting from excess nutrients in the water, the guidelines suggest the application of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) at a rate of 1-2KG per acre. This comprehensive set of guidelines aims to assist fish farmers in ensuring the well-being of their aquatic stock during the winter months.