February 12, 2010

India scientists seek to convert paddy fields into fish ponds

Scientists in India are working to convert wastelands and paddy fields into fish ponds, in an effort to promote fish farming.

Many small and marginal farmers in the north Indian state of Punjab have taken to fish farming. The state produces 6,100 kg of fish per hectare - one of the highest yields in India.

The state government aims to bring about 10,000 hectares of area under fish cultivation. The state has set up a College of Fisheries, which supports farmers through integrated teaching, research and extension programmes.

The college is working to convert a huge wasteland located in Ferozpur, Muktsar, Bhatinda and Faridkot districts of Punjab into fish ponds, said Dr Asha Dhawan, Professor and Head, Department of Aquaculture, Punjab College of Fisheries.

India is the second largest fish producer in the world and exports to nearly 100 countries. In 2009, Indian fish exports hit nearly US$2 billion.

But the seafood industry is not doing well because it merely supplies raw marine products, which are then processed overseas and then sold as ready-to-eat or finished products in the market for a higher value. Fresh catches are often wasted due to a lack of technology like cold storages, ice facilities, mechanisation of boats, and storage capacities at the harbour.

If India could produce fish in rice farms and adopt water management technologies, the country would be able to compete with China, the world's top fish producer, said fish farmers.