The Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute (CSWCRTI), Dehradun, participated in “Kisan Fair” organised by the Uttarakhand State Fisheries Department at Dhakrani Fish Farm, Dhakrani, Dehradun. Dr M. Muruganandam, Senior Scientist, (Fisheries), CSWCRTI sensitized the farmers on deteriorating fisheries resources, increasing demands of fish and fish products and the needs of fish farming in the region.
Purohit, Asst Director (Fisheries), State Fisheries Department narrated the scope of fish farming in the district to the farmers. Manoj Kumar, Suresh Dutta Joshi and Meenakshi, Fisheries inspectors State Fisheries Department briefed the fish farmers regarding ongoing schemes available for various sections of farmers.
Dr Muruganandam highlighted the dietary importance of fish, growing need for increasing fish production and potentials of fish farming in various culture systems like water harvesting, off-stream and community ponds that are available in the region. He apprised them about farming techniques, importance of proper feeds & feeding, identification of water quality problems and precautions required for successful farming.
Various fish farming technologies, fisheries management concepts and status of fisheries were exhibited through user-friendly posters. The participants had live demonstration on specifications of fish ponds and water quality requirements. He recommended small to medium sizes of rectangular shape fishponds with 1-2 m depth, preferably in areas where pond receives sunlight and wind circulation for maximum duration. He specified stocking of 1-2 fish per m2pond area for hassle-free farming.
Farmers were suggested to adopt revised farming calendar of stocking fish seedlings during Feb.-March to harvest during Dec.-Jan. The revised calendar would provide all the benefit of summer months for good fish growth since higher the water temperature better is the fish growth within optimal range of 25-32 oC. Harvesting of farmed fish may be planned during Dec.-Jan. when fish growth subsides, but demand for fish mounts.
Few fish farmers had revealed their success story and problems of feeding and availability of seeds to find solutions in the Fair. Rakesh Kumar Senior Technical Officer, CSWCRTI shared techniques of fish farming to the participants. About 45 farmers from Chakrata, Vikasnagar, Kalsi, langha and Sahaspur, and local social workers received first-hand information from the Fair.
Few copies of brochures on fish farming technologies published by CSWCRTI were distributed to the State Fisheries Inspectors and needy farmers for the trickle down benefits.