Researchers from the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation and the National Bureau of Fish Genetics Resources have produced carp seeds in a portable fish hatchery in Poompuhar, India. The researchers distributed around 10,000 seeds of carp fishes to 15 farmers to improve their growth characteristics.
The joint effort between the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and the National Bureau of Fish Genetics Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) aims to address the challenges faced by fish farmers in the Mayiladuthurai district of India.
One of the main challenges is the high cost and high mortality rates associated with purchasing fish seeds from hatcheries in other districts and states. To overcome this, the researchers introduced a mobile hatchery in Poompuhar that provides controlled conditions for breeding, including temperature, pressure, oxygen concentration, salinity, light, and turbidity.
The hatchery has separate components for breeding, incubation, spawn collection, and nesting, and it takes 15 days for the seeds to be produced. After this, the farmers will need to culture the seeds in their farms for 8 months until harvest. The introduction of the mobile hatchery not only reduces the costs associated with transportation but also leads to higher quality seeds, which will improve the production and income of the farmers.
The researchers also emphasized the importance of quality in breeding, which has long-lasting advantages. To help the farmers during the initial stages, they are also providing feed to reduce expenses. The director of ICAR-NBFGR, Dr. U K Sarkar, highlighted the significance of quality seeds in enhancing the farmers' production and income.
It was also made clear that using high-quality seeds will increase productivity and, as a result, the farmers' revenue. Scientists from NBFGR Dr. TT Ajith Kumar and Dr. A Kathirvelpandian gave a presentation on fish culture to the farmers and said that growing fish with quality would have long-term benefits. We also provide feed for farmers because they claim that the starting costs of feeding are high.
The collaboration between MSSRF and ICAR-NBFGR is a step towards addressing the challenges faced by fish farmers in Mayiladuthurai district. The introduction of the mobile hatchery provides a solution by producing high-quality seeds under controlled conditions, reducing costs and mortality rates, and improving the farmers' production and income.
