Diversification of the aquaculture species and systems is one of such important approaches that provide enormous scope to utilise the different water bodies, said ICAR-CIFA Director P Jayashankar here on Thursday.
Speaking at a national seminar on “Aquaculture Diversification: the Way forward for Blue Revolution,” organised by ICAR-CIFA in collaboration with Association of Aquaculturist (AOA), Jayashankar said aquaculture diversification ensures effective utilisation of the resources with increased productivity level.
“Fortunately our country has a very strong diversity of fish fauna in our natural freshwater system. Of the 900 plus freshwater species reported in the country at least 40 have been shown to have culture potential as food fish while a large number of indigenous small fish have ornamental value,” he said.
Such a strong diversity provides enough scope to diversify our freshwater aquaculture system to increase its production. Fish forms the main source of animal protein in the food basket almost
half of Indians, the Director said.
Of the 9.58 million metric tonnes (2013-14) annual fish production from the freshwater, marine and brackish water sector, only a fraction is being exported and the bulk caters the domestic market. The most important challenge the freshwater sector faces today is how to bridge the future gap of demand and supply of fish, said
Chief guest, OUAT Vice Chancellor S Pasupalak emphasised on the challenges to be faced by the aquaculture and fisheries resources due to climate change and he advised the experts to find an alternative strategy to face the challenges.
Publications from the ICAR-CIFA both in English and regional languages were released on this occasion. More than 200 researchers from all over the country are participating in this seminar.
Among others, Director ICAR BK Das,CIFRI and Secretary, AoA SD Tripathi, former Vice-Chancellor, ICAR-CIFE and Director, ICAR-CIBA, AK Singh were present.Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFA and Joint Secretary AoA P Routray proposed the vote of thanks.