Cage culture practice for high-yielding fish seed launched in Darrang district

MANGALDAI: A cage culture unit has been set up at Kuhtoli Beel of Gorukhuti Project in Darrang district under World Bank funded project APART. Padma Hazarika, chairman of the Project formally launched the unit on Friday by releasing seeds to the water body. Speaking on the occasion, chairman Hazarika lauded the innovative initiative of the State Fishery department in fulfilling the growing demand of high-yielding fish seeds at an affordable price through this scientific fish seedlings growing unit. Deputy Commissioner Munindra Nath Ngatey, CEO of Gorukhuti Project Uddipta Gautam, District Fishery Development Officer Bipul Khataniar, leading progressive fishery entrepreneur of the state Amal Medhi and Biswajyoti Sarma along with others were present on the occasion.

While giving a brief account on the seed rearing capacity of this cage culture unit, DFDO, Khataniar mentioned that every three months this unit could produce 70,000-80,000 advanced fingerlings for the use of the farmers. He further stated that the quality of fish seed depends on the scientific rearing practices followed in preparation and management of nursery ponds. But the geographic location and lack of nursery ponds are some causes for fish culture being constrained at Gorukhuti project till now. “Hence to make availability of quality fish seed in the agri project, the rearing of high-yielding fish seed is practised at cages and installed at natural water resources. This facility makes it possible to exploit underused water resources to produce quality fish seed,” he said.

Prior to the inauguration of the fishery unit, a training session for the local fish growers was held at the project site, Dr Sanjay Sarma, fishery co-ordinator of ARIAS society while attending the session as the resource person explained the importance of genetic awareness and introduction of high-yielding fish variety campaign in a massive way to educate the fish seed producers and growers on planned breeding programme. He gave some technical inputs to the farmers associated with the cage culture unit so that they can constantly supply quality seeds to the farmers who are engaged for table fish production in that locality.

It can be mentioned here that cage culture is an aquaculture production system where fish are held in floating nets and enclosed in a cage which allows water to pass freely between the fish and the water resource permitting water exchange and waste removal into the surrounding water. Cage culture can be established in any suitable body of water, including lakes, ponds, mining pits, streams or rivers with proper water quality, access and legal authority. Cage culture can be established in any suitable body of water, including lakes, ponds, streams or rivers with proper water quality, access and legal authority.

Also Read:State Chief Secretary Paban Borthakur interacts with local organizations

Also Watch: