With a gradually sharp decline in fisheries of most of the rivers in the State, pen culture has been adopted by the Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (DoFARD) to help the fishermen who depend solely on riverine fishing.
The fishery resources in some major rivers are on the wane; so the fishermen depending on fishing in rivers are facing crisis of losing their livelihood. Therefore, pen culture has been undertaken by the DoFARD for the first time in Odisha on a pilot project basis with National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) assistance.
Pen culture is a type of enclosure culture that involves holding fish captive within an enclosed space while maintaining free exchange of water. It also prevents the entry of undesirable fish and other animals that harm fish crop.
DoFARD Secretary Bishnupada Sethi has asked the Directorate of Fisheries to adopt pen culture, which is basically practised at an extensive level so that there is no pollution.
Director Fisheries P Krishna Mohan said pen culture holds a greater promise as a future potential livelihood option for large-scale fish production and employment generation.
Pen culture pilot scheme has been undertaken in upper stretch of barrage at Naraj in Mahanadi, lower stretch of barrage at Pratapnagari bay in Kathajodi, lake of river Ansupa and the reservoir at Gayalabanka MIP.
Fishermen belonging to four Primary Fishermen Cooperative Societies living adjacent to the rivers, lake and reservoir in Cuttack district are engaged in the pilot project.
There is lot of scope to raise different species of fish in the enclosure; direct and easy observation of fishing activities and general health of fish. The shape of the pen is semicircular to prevent action of wind.
The project would be scaled up in other rivers, lakes and reservoirs, said the Director of Fisheries.