1 week ago
Aquaculture Emerges as Sunrise Sector in Bengal’s Hooghly District
Fish farming is becoming an important source of work in Hooghly.
Farmers raise fish in ponds and other inland waters.
Many farmers grow several kinds of carp together.
Rohu, Catla and Mrigal are common fish in these farms.
Newer varieties such as Silver Carp, Grass Carp, Pabda and Tengra are also being introduced.
Farmers sell their fish in nearby markets.
The sector provides food, protein and income for local communities.
Mritunjay Santra says farmers need better feed, training, technology and financial help.
He also supports newer systems such as cage, pen and raceway culture.
Hooghly’s aquaculture sector relies on freshwater ponds, river networks and inland water bodies.
Small farmers commonly raise Rohu, Catla and Mrigal through carp polyculture.
Silver Carp, Grass Carp, Pabda and Tengra are being introduced to meet market demand.
Fish and farmed yields are traded through markets including Chinsurah, Sheoraphuli, Mankundu and Mogra.
Mritunjay Santra called for government support, training, insurance, technology and low-interest financing.
- Who
- Fish farmers in Hooghly, with prospects discussed by Mritunjay Santra of the Aqua Farmers and Welfare Trust.
- What
- Aquaculture is expanding through pond-based fish farming, new species and proposed modern culture systems.
- Where
- Hooghly district in Bengal, including rural and semi-urban areas such as Pandua, Dhaniakhali and Singur.
- When
- The article does not provide a specific date; it refers to current prospects and past awards.
- Why
- The sector supports livelihoods and protein supplies, while growing market demand is creating opportunities for expansion.
Key facts
- Main production system
- Freshwater pond culture using traditional and semi-intensive carp polyculture.
- Common fish
- Rohu, Catla and Mrigal.
- Newer varieties
- Silver Carp, Grass Carp, Pabda and Tengra.
- Major markets
- Chinsurah, Sheoraphuli, Mankundu and Mogra.
- Water sources
- The Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system, ponds and local inland water bodies.
- Proposed support
- Feed, modern technology, training, insurance, social security, low-interest loans and financial assistance.
- Proposed systems
- Cage culture, pen culture and raceway culture.
Quotes
Mritunjay Santra
Secretary of the Hooghly District Committee of the Aqua Farmers and Welfare Trust
“According to market demand, we have introduced Silver Carp and Grass Carp, along with new Pabda and Tengra fish varieties. We are looking to further boost the production of such nutritious and protein-rich fish. However, to further develop and upgrade aquaculture, the attention of both the Central and state governments is very much required.”
thestatesman.com
“Through PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana) and NFDB, a joint initiative of the Central and state governments, direct cooperation with fish farmers is most needed. Cage culture, pen culture and raceway culture systems can also be promoted.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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