Sanjay Kumar Pandey
Ranchi EW News : Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Fishery Department, visited the Getalsud Dam in Ranchi to review the progress of cage farming. The review was conducted in collaboration with the Jharkhand Fisheries Department.
Located in Ranchi, Jharkhand, Getalsud Reservoir serves as a hub for the conservation of pangasius and tilapia fish species through cage farming. Fish farmers from sixteen surrounding villages are members of fishery cooperative societies. They utilize GI pipes or modular cages for farming, with an average production of 3-4 tons per cage. The annual profit from cage farming in the reservoir exceeds INR 4 lakhs.
The work on cage fish conservation began in 2012-13, witnessing significant success with the establishment of 365 cages under various schemes. These cages have contributed to the increase in fish population, with an annual storage of over 25 lakh fingerlings. Market access is already established, with locally produced fish being sold in nearby markets at an average price of INR 120 per kilogram, contributing to the economic prosperity of the region.
During his visit, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi engaged in discussions with cage fish farmers to understand their issues and challenges. He shed light on the vast potential of India’s aquatic resources, estimating a current utilization far below the estimated area of 32 lakh hectares suitable for fish production.
Under the Central Sector Scheme (CSS) related to Blue Revolution, the Fishery Department initiated the Integrated Development and Management Plan for Fisheries from 2015-16 to 2019-20. A total of 14,022 cages were approved under this scheme, with a project cost of INR 420 crores. Additionally, under the Prime Minister’s Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), approval has been granted for 44,908 cages, with a total project cost of INR 1292.53 crores. The Secretary of the Fishery Department also visited the cage construction site at Getalsud Dam in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and held discussions with entrepreneurs.
