CMFRI harvests crop from its maiden cage culture

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI ) has harvested its first crop from the country’s maiden demonstration project for cage culture. Initial attempts by CMFRI last year did not prove successful.

CMFRI scientists said that some 1,400 seed of Asia Bass (locally known as Pandugappalu) were stocked in the cage on December 23, 2007.

They were fed with low-value fish on a daily basis. The first harvest was carried out on Saturday. Commercial production could begin from June, scientists said.

In an earlier attempt the cage, placed in the Bay of Bengal, was washed ashore and another attempt was made, after making modifications to the cage. Mr Mohan Joseph Modayil of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and former Director of CMFRI said.

Visakhapatnam had been chosen to demonstrate the project, as aqua farmers of Andhra Pradesh were pioneers, especially in shrimp culture.

CMFRI scientists said that cage culture of marine species is commercially viable and it will greatly enhance production.

China, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Australia had made giant strides in cage culture and there was no reason why India should be lagging, with all its advantages.

A one-time capital investment of Rs 15 lakh would be needed and the culture cost for seven months would be Rs 16 lakh.

The yield would be roughly 25 tonnes and the estimated return Rs 35 lakh per crop, he added.

Cage culture is an aquaculture production system where fish are held in floating net pens. Cages are widely used in commercial aquaculture overseas and individual cage units come in all shapes and sizes and can be tailored to suit individual farmer’s needs.

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CMFRI harvests crop from its maiden cage culture