In a first, US Nagar admin to promote biofloc fish farming technology

Rudrapur: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state, the Udham Singh Nagar administration has introduced the biofloc farming technology to promote intensive aquaculture. The biofloc exhibition unit has been established in the district at a cost of Rs 7.5 lakh.Himanshu Khurana, chief development officer (CDO) of the district, said, “Applying the biofloc technology, farmers can raise fish in artificial tanks in an area between 150-to-200 square metres. These tanks are connected with piped water supply. The system can be used to produce freshwater fish species such as tilapia, pangasius, common carp, and others. Organic waste in the tanks will be treated and converted into fish food by using helpful bacteria and carbon sources like molasses.” The official added that the scheme will boost employment.According to officials, the biofloc technology can produce 3,000 kilograms of fish in just four small tanks of 150 square metres each. On the other hand, the traditional pond farming system needs an area of 4,000 square metres to produce a similar output in six months, Khurana said.“Currently, we have this facility at the Baur reservoir in Bazpur. We are planning to start a training centre at Gularbhoj fish farm for the officers of the department, who will further proliferate the scheme amid the district farmers. Also, there are two privately-owned biofloc units owned by progressive fish farmers in Khatima and Kashipur. We want people to come forward and leverage the benefit of this scheme. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Centre also provides a grant for this initiative,” said the CDO. He added that the state government will provide necessary technical support for the biofloc-based farmers.Himanshu Joshi, project director at the CDO office, said that the biofloc-based tanks can be installed on the terraces of buildings and also in backyards. A biofloc unit of two tanks will cost Rs 1.5 lakh. For a unit of six tanks, the cost is Rs 4 lakh.Meanwhile, divulging information regarding yet another significant development, CDO Khurana said that Pangasius fish has become very popular in the district due to its high demand. Till now, farmers have been importing the fingerlings from Andhra Pradesh. However, for the first time in the state, Rs 22.05 lakh has been provided to farmers for this purpose. Besides, four clusters have been selected by the fisheries department, providing direct livelihood to 104 families. Farmers in these clusters are being benefited with pond construction and duck shed construction in convergence with MGNREGA scheme and district plan.