In early days, fishes caught from sea or river were used to prepare food items. But today we depend on other states for the same. Decades ago, only salt was used to treat fish. It later switched to ice, then, it is converted to ammonia and then to formalin, which is used for preserving the corpse. Formalin is derived from formaldehyde which is a known cancer-causing agent.With formalin fishes will never decay at all.
We can solve this problem in some extent by doing fish farming in our backyard ponds. Let’s see a few tips for fish farming to get started at backyard.
Fish can be reared in kitchen ponds, ponds used for irrigation, ponds adjacent to the field, etc. Alternatively, the fish can be reared in concrete or ferrocement brick ponds, or in cement ponds on the terrace with proper planning at home.
The Best Fish Species for Backyard Aquaculture
The choice of fish should take into account the interests and tastes of the farmer. The size of the ponds and the availability of water should also be considered. Indigenous species such as Carp,Asian Stinging Catfish, Salmon, etc. can be raised. Cyprinus and tilapia, which are becoming native to our country from abroad, can also be raised in small scale in kitchen ponds.
Things to be taken care of while raising fishes in kitchen ponds:
1. The pool or tank should be constructed under direct sunlight. The pond should be where there is good air flow.
2. Shade should be provided on terraces and other places where there is a lot of sunshine.
3. Provide water supply as required.
4. Feed nutritious food in a timely manner.
5. After 4 pm, remove food waste from the bottom of the tank/pond with a hose.
6. Do not allow the waste to be collected on the surface of the water.
7. Cold water should be pumped or aerated to keep the temperature at 25-28 C.
8. Remove the bigger fishes every five to six months.
9. Use a polyurethane net around and above the pond for protection from the birds.
