When considered in context of Jharkhand, pisciculture has been crucial in terms of providing employment and nutrition but fish production has not been optimum given the water resources available in the State.
These were the findings of renowned aquaculture expert and World Food Prize winner MV Gupta and National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources Director JK Jena following their two-day-long visit to the State. They were to inspect and advice on the fish farming techniques being practised in the State, on behalf of National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
“Water reservoirs, large and small, are abundant in Jharkhand but they are not being used to their full potential regarding fish farming. There are dams that can be used for this purpose. Some water bodies which only have water for three to four months can also be utilised by introducing fish breeds which take short periods of time to get to sellable size. Jharkhand holds immense potential in pisciculture,” Gupta said while addressing a Press conference on Saturday.
“Promoting fishery in state has been good in providing employment opportunities in the State. Simultaneously, cheaper breeds of fish reared here have offered good option of protein for the poor of the State. Meanwhile, bringing the youth under its gamut has been effective in keeping them from bad influence,” Gupta said. He further added, “Employing youngsters as Matsya Mitras has not only utilised their potential but kept them away from opting for wrong ways as unemployed.