Farmers in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, are experiencing significant success with a novel inland fishing technique known as the High-Density Polyethylene-lined (HDPE) farm pond method. This innovative approach, introduced by the district fisheries department, has addressed challenges related to sandy soil texture, allowing farmers to successfully undertake fish farming and enjoy lucrative returns.
The initiative, which began in February 2021 with the support of State government subsidies, involves the use of HDPE sheets laid on farm ponds to overcome issues associated with sandy soil. Farmers who previously faced difficulties in retaining water content for fish farming due to the prevalent sandy soil texture have reported substantial benefits from adopting this method.
G Rajendran, the Assistant Director of Fisheries, explained that officials conduct site inspections to ensure the availability of nearby water resources. The government provides a 50% subsidy on the total cost of constructing an HDPE pond, which amounts to approximately Rs 1,54,000.
This successful venture marks a positive development for inland fisheries in Virudhunagar, showcasing how innovative techniques and government support can contribute to the prosperity of fish farming in regions with specific environmental challenges.