Aquaculture in India has undergone significant growth, establishing the country as the second-largest producer of farmed fish globally. This growth has contributed to food security, employment, and economic expansion, making aquaculture an essential part of India’s agricultural exports. Shrimp farming, in particular, plays a crucial role in this sector.
Growing Demand for Fish and the Role of Aquaculture
The increasing global demand for fish, driven by rising population and protein consumption, has led to intensified aquaculture practices. This intensification is characterized by higher stocking densities and the increased use of external inputs, such as feed and chemicals. However, such practices raise concerns about disease and infection, which are often managed by the routine use of antibiotics.
Technological Innovations in Fish Farming
To address these challenges, India’s aquaculture sector has increasingly adopted innovative technologies like Biofloc Technology (BFT) and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). These technologies offer advantages such as intensified production, sustainability, reduced environmental impact, and disease control.
Government Support for Aquaculture Technologies
The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has been actively promoting these technologies by offering subsidies through various schemes at the national and state levels. In addition, research institutions like ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) and ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA) are conducting research to improve the effectiveness of BFT and RAS.
The Role of BFT in Sustainable Aquaculture
Biofloc Technology (BFT) is a closed-tank fish farming method that uses beneficial bacteria (floc) to clean the water in fish tanks. These bacteria convert organic waste into microbial biomass, which can be consumed by the fish or shrimp. BFT helps maintain clean water, reduces the need for chemicals and antibiotics, and can save costs on feed. It is particularly beneficial for small-scale farmers and can be set up in small spaces, such as backyard farms.
Advantages of BFT:
- Keeps water clean without frequent water changes
- Reduces the need for antibiotics and chemicals
- Reduces feed costs as fish consume the recycled waste
- Environmentally friendly and cost-effective
Challenges of BFT:
- High initial setup costs (Rs 4-5 lakh)
- Daily monitoring is required to maintain water quality
- Not suitable for all species of fish, especially in northern regions like Uttar Pradesh
- Requires constant management of the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and flocculation levels
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)
RAS is a closed-loop fish farming system that recycles water after filtration. This system ensures that the water remains clean, safe for fish, and free from pathogens. RAS offers a controlled environment for optimal fish growth by regulating factors like temperature, oxygen levels, and cleanliness. It is particularly useful in areas without natural water sources and can be set up indoors, closer to urban areas with high demand.
Advantages of RAS:
- Reduces the need for disinfectants and antibiotics
- Provides a controlled environment for fish growth
- Conserves freshwater through water recycling
- Suitable for regions without natural water sources
Challenges of RAS:
- High initial investment and operational costs
- Requires continuous monitoring and maintenance
- Limited adoption due to affordability issues for small farmers
Limitations and Regional Variations
The adoption of BFT and RAS varies across regions, depending on factors such as resource availability, seasonal variations, and the species being farmed. For example:
- Farmers in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, have found that certain species like Indian Major Carps do not thrive in BFT systems.
- In Odisha, farmers are more familiar with techniques like using heating rods to maintain water temperature in winter.
- In Haryana, some farmers have abandoned BFT and reverted to traditional pond-based farming due to high costs and operational challenges.
Financial Viability and Subsidy Issues
While both BFT and RAS offer long-term financial benefits due to higher production rates, their high initial setup costs make them inaccessible to many small farmers. Subsidies provided by the government are often insufficient, and additional operational costs, such as power supply for RAS, further strain farmers’ finances. Despite these challenges, stakeholders acknowledge that these technologies can be financially balanced over time.
Conclusion
India’s aquaculture sector is at a pivotal point, where technological innovations like BFT and RAS hold the promise of increased sustainability, efficiency, and disease control. However, challenges such as high initial costs, operational difficulties, and regional variations need to be addressed for these technologies to reach their full potential in supporting small-scale farmers.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the main advantage of Biofloc Technology (BFT) in aquaculture?
- a) High water consumption
- b) Reduced need for antibiotics and chemicals
- c) Increased feed costs
- d) Requires large land area
- Answer: b) Reduced need for antibiotics and chemicals
- Which of the following is a challenge associated with Biofloc Technology (BFT)?
- a) Low initial investment
- b) Requires continuous monitoring of water quality
- c) Limited to large-scale operations
- d) No need for microbial activity
- Answer: b) Requires continuous monitoring of water quality
- What does Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) primarily do?
- a) Increases the stocking density of fish
- b) Recirculates and filters water for fish farming
- c) Increases the use of antibiotics
- d) Reduces the need for fish feed
- Answer: b) Recirculates and filters water for fish farming
- What is a major concern for farmers adopting RAS?
- a) High initial investment and operational costs
- b) Limited water recycling
- c) Lack of control over environmental conditions
- d) Low production rates
- Answer: a) High initial investment and operational costs
- Which region in India has farmers who have reverted to pond-based farming from Biofloc Technology (BFT)?
- a) Odisha
- b) Uttar Pradesh
- c) Haryana
- d) Andhra Pradesh
- Answer: c) Haryana