Fish farming 🧺

Question

Fish farming 🧺

Sathiyavarsha K · Answer

Fish farming (also called Aquaculture) is the practice of raising fish commercially in tanks, ponds, or enclosures for food production or business purposes. It’s one of the fastest-growing sectors in agriculture and can be highly profitable if managed well. Here’s a complete overview for you:

Types of Fish Farming

Freshwater Fish Farming

Common species: Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Tilapia, Pangasius, Common Carp.

Done in ponds, tanks, or cages in rivers/lakes.

Brackishwater Fish Farming

Species: Prawns, Mud crabs, Seabass, Milkfish.

Needs water with slight salinity (estuaries, coastal areas).

Marine Fish Farming

Species: Seabass, Grouper, Pomfret, Salmon.

Requires cages/tanks in sea or coastal zones.

Methods of Fish Farming

Extensive farming – Traditional, low input, uses natural pond productivity.

Semi-intensive farming – Ponds with some supplementary feed and fertilization.

Intensive farming – High-density stocking in tanks or cages, with artificial feed, aeration, and water management.

Basic Requirements

Land/Waterbody: Pond (0.1–2 hectare for small scale).

Water Source: Clean, fresh, continuous supply.

Fingerlings/Seeds: Healthy young fish from hatcheries.

Feed: Balanced feed (protein, carbs, vitamins, minerals).

Management: Aeration, pH balance, and disease control.

Steps to Start Fish Farming

Site Selection – Choose land with clay soil, good water supply, and no contamination.

Pond Construction – Depth 1.5–2 m, water retention capacity, inlet & outlet.

Pond Preparation – Drying, liming (for pH balance), manuring (to boost plankton).

Stocking – Release fingerlings (3,000–5,000 per acre for semi-intensive).

Feeding – Use supplementary feed (rice bran, oil cake, fishmeal, formulated pellets).

Water Management – Maintain dissolved oxygen, remove waste, prevent pollution.

Health & Disease Control – Regular check for infections, fungal/bacterial issues.

Harvesting – After 6–8 months (depending on species), average yield:

Carp: 3–5 tons/acre/year (semi-intensive).

Tilapia/Pangasius (intensive): 10–15 tons/acre/year.

Investment & Profit (Example for 1 Acre Pond – Carp Farming)

Pond construction & preparation: ₹50,000 – ₹70,000 (one-time).

Fingerlings (5000 pcs): ₹10,000 – ₹15,000.

Feed & Fertilizers: ₹40,000 – ₹50,000/year.

Labour & Misc.: ₹15,000 – ₹20,000.
 Total Cost: ₹70,000 – ₹90,000/year.
 Income (3–4 tons @ ₹120/kg): ₹3,60,000 – ₹4,80,000.
 Net Profit: ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000/year (per acre).

Government Schemes & Support (India)

PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Subsidy up to 40–60% for pond construction, seed, feed, aeration, and cold storage.

NABARD Loan: Low-interest loans for aquaculture projects.

Fisheries Department Training: Free training and technical guidance.