ICAR-CIFRI has started an innovative approach for the culture fisheries development in small reservoirs of India for production enhancement through insitu fish seed raising in pen during the pandemic period. CIFRI has adopted Baghua reservoir in Nayagarh district to implement this programme.
Talking about the initiative, Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI said, “This programme will help increase fish production in the reservoir and enhance income of the local fishers. It is in line with the Central government’s policies to double the income of the fishermen in the country”.
The Baghua reservoir is situated in Odogaon block of Nayagarh district of Odisha. The fishers of Korapitha, Odogaon, Khurala, Rohibanka village depend on this reservoir for their livelihood.
This reservoir is selected in consultation with the Fisheries department, Odisha and Raghunath Primary Fisheries Cooperative Society, Baghua reservoir under SCSP programme. The society established in the year 1987 has 52 SC members. The institue will provide technical support and handholding to the local fishermen.
The reservoir is located in an area of 122 ha. With this intervention, the institute targets to increase the production to 21 tons in the first year from 7 ton in the current scenario.
CIFRI has installed pen of 0.5 ha in the reservoir with community participation in the month of June. Three lakh fish seeds were released in the pen for insitu raising of fish seed for the reservoir.
While appreciating the cooperation of local fishers, Dr Das said, “During the lockdown pandemic period, the cooperation from the community in pen installation and fish seed release is praiseworthy. A speed boat with outboard engine has been provided under SCSP programme to the fishers.”.
It is estimated that the fish seed stocked will help in achieving an additional 14 ton from the reservoir with an additional income of 16.80 lakh.
The program was planned and designed by Dr B. K. Das, Director, CIFRI. The programme was coordinated by Dr. B. K. Behera (Principal Scientist), Dr. P.K. Parida, Mr. Himashu Swain and Dr. Lianthuamluaia (scientists).
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