Guidelines and investment for development of intensive aquaculture

In view of the tremendous potential that exists in India to augment fish production from freshwater aquaculture resources, which are spread across the length and breadth of the country and with concerted efforts to mobilise farmers to adopt fish farming, application of appropriate technologies for sustainable fish farming and fish seed production and availability of institutional finance, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has announced guidelines for intensive aquaculture in ponds and tanks.

An amount of Rs 620 crore has been earmarked for development of intensive aquaculture in ponds and tanks and the proposed activities are expected to generate substantial investments resulting in an annual production of 26.5 lakh tonnes of fish as well as creating employment opportunities in the rural areas.

According to NFDB, about 2.41 million hectares of water bodies are available for freshwater aquaculture in the country, of which the majority area falls under tropical warm water conditions and is amenable for increasing production and productivity levels to about 5 tonnes per hectare per annum. With better inputs in terms of seeds, feed and fertilisers, it may be possible to bring in about 8 lakh hectares under intensive aquaculture, in a span of 5-6 years. Through adequate forward and backward linkages, another 50,000 hectares of new area can also be brought under the fold of intensive aquaculture.

The present guidelines on intensive aquaculture in ponds and tanks cover a wide gamut of activities ranging from fish seed and table fish production to human resource development.

The objectives of the guidelines are to bring in more clarity and objectivity, thus facilitating the implementing agencies in preparation and submission of suitable proposals in tune with the criteria evolved by the NFDB for providing assistance for development of intensive aquaculture in the country.

The NFDB will assist five components to support intensive aquaculture in ponds and tanks: Intensive aquaculture in existing ponds and tanks; Intensive aquaculture in new ponds and tanks; First year one-time inputs for intensive aquaculture in ponds and tanks; Establishment of hatcheries for production of fish seed; Establishment of fish seed rearing units for production of fish fingerlings, training and demonstration, it is learnt.