The human population in the State is on the rise, but it is vice versa for fish. Taking note of the issue, the fisheries department has begun ‘Stock Enhancement Programme’ wherein crores of spawns (fish eggs) have recently been kept in water bodies to increase the population of fish. The initiative has been taken ahead of Monsoon so that the rising rain water level, particularly in Subarnarekha river, Damodar river, Karo river, Ruru river and Ajay river improves the breeding process. Spawns of Rohu (labeo rohita), Katla (Catla catla) and Mrigal (Currhinus cirrhosus) fishes were collected for the purpose.
Officials feel the three fish varieties are usually suitable for farming in Jharkhand. “There is an acute water shortage in the river beds of all districts. Most of the rivers and ponds have dried up. In such circumstances, we thought of putting spawns in the stretches and patches of the dry portions with some water. Once it starts raining, the entire river will be filled with adequate water leading to the rapid flow which in turn would help in the breeding of fishes. The spawns developed into fry (baby fishes) can then easily consume the food materials available in the river as well as reproduce,” Fisheries Department Director Rajiw Kumar told The Pioneer.
The unique programme is being carried out in the 24 districts of the State since last month in collaboration with local farmers who are taking care of the day-to-day progress. “The funds for purchasing the spawns were allotted by us. One lakh spawns of Rohu, Katla or Mrigal charged around Rs500. 30 points in every district is provided with 1.5 crore spawns. Farmers are assigned for the further management of the programme at grassroot level,” said Rajiw.
The feasibility of the programme will be visible in the next six months. “We are eagerly waiting to see the result between the months of October and December,” said Fisheries Department Deputy Director Ashish Kumar. He also added that the effort will benefit many fish farmers across the State. “As of now, the programme is under the observance of farmers in one district. Once it starts raining, the fish will flow and would be caught by farmers of other districts who will either sell it or use for farming. Jharkhand may be the first State to try such technique,” he said.