Now, biofloc fish farming gains foothold in Katihar

KATIHAR: Biofloc fish farming is gaining foothold in the district where ‘mongri’, ‘singhi’, ‘kawai’, ‘tengara’ and ‘pegasus’ varieties are cultured. These fish species are produced in a small space in fibre pond.
Rajesh Prasad of Chittabari locality is one of the few farmers engaged in fish production through biofloc method. He has constructed five fibre-made ponds on a vacant piece of land in front of his house and is rearing various fish species on a large scale.
District fisheries officer Sambhu Prasad Nayak said Rajesh has availed the scheme provided by the fisheries directorate of the state government.“The fisheries department of the state government has given him a financial assistance of 75% for culturing fish in front of his house. The cost of the project was around Rs 8.50 lakh. He has stocked 7,000 fish seeds in the five fibre tanks,” Nayak said.
“In the last two months, these fish species have gained weight of 150 grams, which can go up to 250 grams before they are sold. These fish varieties are favourite among buyers and sold at a high price,” Nayak added.
He said these fish species are cultured scientifically and in an artificial tank. “Trained experts take care of medicines, aeration and food for the fish. Air blowers are used for providing oxygen supply to fish. Generator sets and borewell facilities were provided at the spot for culturing fish,” he said.
Rajesh said, “I have chalked out a plan to harvest these fish twice a year. This new techniques help me earn maximum profit. A casual approach in rearing these fish varieties may prove a loss-making venture.”