Pabda, with its delicate bones and rich flavor, is a household name in regions like Tripura, Assam, and Bengal. People look forward to enjoying it during family meals and festive occasions. Its price in the local markets ranges from Rs. 400 to Rs. 500 per kg but can go as high as Rs. 1000 during peak seasons or festivals. Over the years, however, the natural availability of this fish has declined due to habitat destruction and overfishing.
To meet growing demand, many farmers and fishery departments have started breeding Pabda in ponds. This shift not only helps preserve the species but also opens up an additional income stream for rural families. With proper knowledge and management, Pabda fish farming can become a rewarding venture for small-scale fishers.
Why Pabda Farming is a Good Choice
This fish belongs to the Siluridae family and is native to Indian rivers and lakes, thriving well even at altitudes between 100 to 2500 meters above sea level. Tripura declared it as the State Fish in 2006 due to its popularity and cultural importance. The National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) has also identified it as a priority species for aquaculture promotion in India.
What makes Pabda ideal for farming is its high market value, adaptability to ponds, and demand throughout the year. Besides its use as a table fish, it is also exported as an ornamental fish under the name "Two-spot glassy catfish" due to its transparent appearance and graceful movements.
Feeding: The Secret to Better Growth
One of the most important aspects of Pabda fish farming is proper feeding. In many places, farmers use traditional carp feed like rice bran and mustard oil cake. However, these feeds do not meet Pabda’s nutritional needs, especially protein requirements.
A study conducted over six months revealed that Pabda fish grow significantly better when fed protein-rich diets. Three types of feeds were tested: one with 23.8% crude protein (CP), one with 30.5% CP, and another with 35.2% CP. The results clearly showed that Pabda fed with 30–35% protein had better weight gain, faster growth, and higher survival rates. The fish gained 15% better survival and an increased yield of around 126 to 132 kg per hectare.
Interestingly, the difference between the 30.5% and 35.2% protein feed was negligible, which means a 30% CP feed is both effective and affordable for farmers. Using proper feed also improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR), meaning less feed was needed to produce more fish weight.
How to Manage Pabda Ponds Effectively
Pabda can be grown in simple earthen ponds. A stocking density of 4000 fingerlings per hectare works well under semi-intensive conditions. Water quality should be checked regularly. This includes parameters like pH, oxygen levels, and water temperature, which directly impact fish health.
Feeding should be done according to the fish's body weight, usually between 2% to 4% of total biomass daily. It is best to avoid mixing Pabda with major carps like Cirrhinus mrigala, as they may compete for food and space, lowering Pabda's growth.
Farmers should fertilize the pond to develop plankton, which helps in the early feeding stages. They can also use locally available ingredients like groundnut cake, soybean meal, or fishmeal to prepare their own feed mixtures.
Market Potential and Profitability
The price of Pabda remains consistently high, and the demand is strong both locally and in city markets. With limited investment and low pond space requirements, it is a suitable fish for small and marginal farmers.
Its popularity during cultural and religious functions makes it an excellent choice for year-round farming. By harvesting and selling at the right time, especially during festivals, farmers can fetch premium prices. Proper planning and timely feeding can ensure better profit margins.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the benefits are many, a lack of awareness about scientific feeding practices and pond management often limits farmers' success. Training, access to quality feed, and better market linkages can go a long way in promoting Pabda farming.
Government agencies, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and fishery departments should conduct awareness drives and offer support in the form of technical training and subsidized inputs. There is also scope to develop hatcheries for supplying quality seed and offer schemes that reduce input costs.
Pabda farming offers a unique opportunity to blend tradition with innovation. By cultivating this native fish scientifically, farmers can not only earn a better livelihood but also contribute to conserving a species once common in our rivers. With the right feed, proper pond care, and market planning, Pabda can become the next success story in India’s aquaculture journey.
Let this fish, known for its softness and flavor, also soften the economic struggles of our rural farmers.
