WorldFish has unveiled a genetically-improved Rohu strain, Generation 3 (G3), that grows over 30% faster than conventional Rohu strains in Bangladesh. Released to hatcheries over the past two years, G3 Rohu has now reached adulthood, and its seeds are set to be available for purchase by thousands of Bangladeshi fish farmers. This breakthrough promises to enhance farm productivity and income for local farmers.
WorldFish, a member of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, has been working on the Rohu Genetic Improvement Program since 2012. The program involved the collection of spawn from the Halda, Padma, and Jamuna rivers, with subsequent generations selected for rapid growth. The recently released G3 Rohu has shown exceptional growth, outpacing traditional Rohu strains by 30%, according to on-farm performance trials involving 19 semi-commercial farms in Rajshahi and Khulna divisions.
Jessore’s District Fisheries Officer, Firoz Ahmed, emphasized the role of G3 Rohu in realizing the government’s goal of increased fish production. The success of the on-farm trials, where G3 Rohu outperformed other strains, is expected to encourage more farmers to adopt this genetically improved Rohu strain.
WorldFish is set to make G3 Rohu available in the market this year while simultaneously working on developing subsequent generations of Rohu with even higher growth rates (G4, G5, etc.). The organization is also in the process of producing genetically improved strains of Catla and Silver Carp.
The achievement is attributed to the five-year USAID-funded Feed the Future Bangladesh Aquaculture Activity (BAA) program run by WorldFish. The program, operating in 21 southwestern districts and two districts in the southeast affected by the Rohingya situation, aims to improve the genetic quality of carp varieties. BAA Deputy Chief of the Party, Dr. Md Shamsul Kabir, highlighted the positive impact on farmers, ensuring better breeds and quicker returns.
The WorldFish Carp Genetic Improvement Program received support from various organizations, including USAID, CGIAR Trust Fund, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the European Commission. The initiative represents a crucial step toward sustainable and efficient aquaculture practices in Bangladesh.