New scheme to give boost to aquaculture

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, November 30

To give a fillip to aquaculture in waterlogging-affected Muktsar district, the Fisheries Department is planning to hold a fair to inform public about the nutritional value of fish and shrimp. Besides, the department is waiting for the approval of biofloc culture — cost-effective technology in which toxic material such as nitrate, nitrite and ammonia can be converted to proteinaceous feed.

Officials said the announcement of 50 per cent subsidy on the recirculating aquaculture system was also awaited. Further, to promote shrimp farming in the area, the state government is about to open a Demonstration Farm and Training Centre at Ennakhera village in Malout sub-division.

Some officials, however said, “At present, 50 per cent subsidy under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is being offered on normal fish ponds, but the amount for the ongoing fiscal year has not been released yet.”

Notably, Muktsar district has 1,950 acres under fisheries and 150 acres under shrimp farming. This year, 180 acres have been brought under fisheries and 40 acres under shrimp farming. While the price of fish depends on its size and variety, shrimp on an average fetches Rs 300-330 per kg in the wholesale market.

RK Kataria, Assistant Director, Fisheries, Muktsar, said, “The new schemes are expected to give a major boost to the aquaculture in the district. The waterlogging-affected farmers are benefitting from aquaculture.”

However, sources said after the closure of 90 per cent subsidy scheme, there were only a few takers for the fisheries. In the past, some ponds were destroyed during the rains.