To boost the field of ornamental fish culture in Punjab, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab is playing an active role.

Different ornamental fish species are being cultured and their breeding is carried out successfully and sold on regular basis to hobbyists, fish sellers etc.

Regular trainings on culture, breeding, aquarium fabrication and maintenance are arranged for farmers, unemployed youth, hobbyists, entrepreneurs and women so that they can adopt this venture as side business or full time activity.

“Our scientist have successfully developed the culture and breeding technology of various ornamental fish species like Gold fish, Comet, Shubunkin, Red head, Koi Carp, Molly, Guppy, Platy and Sword tail varieties,” says Dr. V.K.Taneja, Vice-chancellor.

The breeding trials of these species are carried out regularly at the College. Classes are taken on how to rear the fishes in small sized tanks, cement cisterns (in shady place), glass aquaria, nursery ponds (earthen or cemented) etc. Entrepreneurs are taught to make use of commonly available ingredients such as agricultural by products (groundnut cake, rice polish, wheat bran, maize bran, soybean meal) and animal by products (fish meal, meat meal) either in a powdered or pelleted form as feed for the fishes.

Importance of the physico-chemical parameters of water such as pH, hardness, temperature, dissolved oxygen, chlorine content, and carbon dioxide are also taught to partipants to make them aware on the same.

By following proper rearing and management practices, 4-6 crops/year can be produced regularly.

With an availability of 300-500 sq feet area and an investment of Rs. 75,000 (capital and recurring investment of Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 25,000 respectively) if done properly can give return of Rs. 50,000 a year from a backyard culture unit.

© 2013 The Hindu

Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture.

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