Fish farming in India is also called ‘pisciculture’ and is the practice of commercial fish rearing in enclosed tanks. In India, it is an important sector contributing to agricultural exports and food security in a major way. Since the demand for fish as a food is increasing it has resulted in overfishing worldwide causing a depletion in the population. This has led to establishment of fish farms or aquaculture wherein fish is grown artificially in man-made ponds or tanks. Aquaculture has now become so popular that more than 50% of the total fish population in the world came from aquaculture alone in 2016. Globally, 62% of the total fish supply comes from China.
At least 60% Indians consume fish as a part of their regular meals.
The demand for fish being high in the market, its price is also very high ensuring good income.
The subtropical and tropical climate of India is ideal for growth and production of fish.
Since there are abundant water sources in India like lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, etc. it is not very difficult to procure fish and grow them in the farm.
Growing fish in a farm is not a laborious process. Additionally, it can be integrated with other types of farming like poultry, vegetables, animals, etc. Integrated aquaculture is very popular among farmers.
Since fish farming business is not as laborious as other types of farming, it is easy to handle along with regular work. It can be also easily managed by other family members of the house like kids and women.
Fish rearing in pond has some specific requirements. Before constructing a pond it is necessary to choose the right type of site. Hence the first step in fish farming is selecting the right type of site.
Site Selection
The success of a fish business depends on the selection of the right place. The site chosen must have a good water supply all year round and the soil must have a good water retention capacity. Site selection factors can be divided into 3 categories as:
Biological
Ecological
Social
Biological Factors
Biological factors are concerned with fish species chosen for culture purposes. Seed source, variety, culture type, species, etc. must be considered at the time of establishing a fish farm.
Ecological Factors
Climate, soil, water and topography are the primary factors that must be considered when constructing fish farming ponds. These can be enumerated as below:
Primarily the soil must be able to hold water in a pond. That is it must have good water retention capacity.
Take a handful of soil in wet hand and squeeze it. If the soil retains the shape after opening the palms, the soil is suitable for establishing a pond.
Rocky, limestone, sandy soil must be avoided since they cannot retain water.
Loamy soil, clayey soil, silt etc. are best suited for pond construction.
Gravel if present must not be more than 10%.
Water must have a neutral pH. In case of acidic or alkaline water suitable corrections must be done.
The pond must be constructed near natural water bodies like ponds or rivers. However, it should be away from flooding area.
Water salinity is another factor that must be considered as not all fish can tolerate saline water.
Land topography is essential for engineering the pond construction. Areas like industrial zone, flood prone areas, areas with poor rainfall, electricity poles and densely rooted vegetation must be avoided.