Bihar Fisheries Director Issues Crucial Guidance for Fish Farmers During Critical April Season

To operate fisheries in a more profitable and scientific manner, Director Fisheries Patna, Bihar has appealed to all the fish farmers of the state to be especially cautious in the month of April. He said that with the onset of summer, cleaning of ponds becomes extremely necessary, so that the fish can get a clean environment. While taking proper care of the fish, measures should be taken to maintain the amount of oxygen in the pond, so that there is no hindrance in their growth. The Director said that the natural food of the fish must be checked. These processes will not only improve the health of the fish, but will also increase the production capacity. By following these instructions given by the Fisheries Department from time to time, fish farmers can get better results.

He said that the month of April is a very important time for fish farming. In this month, due to increasing temperature, there is a change in the quality of water. In such a situation, to increase production and avoid losses, fish farmers need to pay special attention to water quality, diet management and disease control.

The Director said that the Animal and Fisheries Resources Department has also issued an advisory for fish farmers. It has been said that in the month of April, select a suitable place for fish farming. Repair or clean the old ponds and start the construction of new ponds. Start the process of producing grass carp fish seeds in the hatchery. If the pond is infected with Argulus or other insects, then use insecticides on the advice of an expert.

Pay attention to the diet of fish

He said that in the advisory issued by the Animal and Fisheries Resources Department, it has been said that in the month of April, hatchery operators and fish seed producers should give protein-rich diet and gut probiotics to the fish for fertilization of good eggs and survival of spawn. Check the availability of natural food in the water of nursery pond and stocking/rearing pond with the help of plankton net.

Keep male and female breeder fish in separate ponds one month before seed production. Cleaning of aquatic insects and weeds in the pond should be done at short intervals. Before seed stocking, put slaked lime in the pond at the rate of 100–150 kg per acre. Check the growth and health of fish seeds from time to time by putting a net in the pond.

Maintain the water level

The director said that the Animal and Fisheries Resources Department in its advisory has asked fish farmers to make arrangements to maintain a water level of at least 1.5 meters in the pond throughout the year. Do cast a net in the pond at the end of the month. Do not cast a net in the pond containing Pangasius fish. If the pond water turns green and starts smelling bad, then stop giving supplementary food. To increase the amount of dissolved oxygen in water, use aerator or air blower for 2–4 hours in the morning and evening