6. Technology upgradation has taken place in almost all the fields of fish culture. The concept of induced breeding, selective stocking, supplementary feeding, aeration of water, control of chemical conditions all have contributed significantly in the increased production of fish.
7. Out of the 85 million tons of fish produced annually in the world, 11% are obtained from fish culture. China leads in fresh water fish culture followed by India. Freshwater fish culture is developing in several countries of the world. In the next couple of decades, fresh water bodies of the world will become an important source of fish production. The world production of shrimp is estimated to be around 5,64,800 tons. 89% of the cultured shrimp comes from Asian countries. Per hectare production of shrimp in India is less compared to countries like Japan, Taiwan, Ecuador & Indonesia. Apart from the brackish water fish and prawn culture, mussel, oyster, clam, pearl & lobsters are also being cultured in India.
8. Re turn in composite culture is more than in monoculture practice alone. Similarly, the benefits are enhanced when fish culture is integrated with other land activity like poultry or pig farming. In the paddy cum fish culture additional income can be generated without much addition in the cost.
9. Intensive systems of fish culture have been developed by different countries of the world. In these systems higher production is possible through control of environment. METZ technology of Germany, bio-drum system of Denmark, Catfish culture in Thailand etc. show how intensive culture system helps in augmenting production.
10. Fish culture production in India is not satisfactory and has not been able to keep pace with the world standards. Inland fishermen in India belong to poorer section of Indian society. There is tremendous scope for improvements & the fish production should go upto 5000 kg. per hectare per year by 2000 A.D.
11. While selecting a suitable technology for India’s rural sector, factors like initial cost outlay and recurring expenditure, potential for employment generation, maximum utilization of existing land & water body and simplicity of operation and accept ability by the farmers are taken into consideration. Keeping in view all these parameters, indigenous technology seems to be ideal. Effort should be made for proper dissemination of technology.
12. Fish Farmers’ development agencies set up by Government of India help in the spread of fresh water fish culture in the rural area, they make people aware of the latest technologies, provide training and extension services, assist in arranging finance and organize Fish Farmer Co-operatives. Marine Products Export Development Authority renders all necessary assistance to take up shrimp farming. These services include preparation of project report, technical assistance on farm construction, pond preparation & management etc. Brackishwater Fish Farmers development agency also give the necessary financial & technical assistance for taking up brackishwater fish farming.
13. In order to provide employment in rural area and meeting the domestic demand extensive fish farming needs to be taken up. On the other hand prawn culture will have to be given higher priority to meet the export target and to ensure foreign exchange earnings.
14. The technology has been selected keeping in view the socio-economic conditions of the rural population of India in order to enhance their income & making available this cheap source of protein. Polyculture of fish in isolation or alongwith integrated farming in ideal for rural areas. For the progressive farmers intensive fish farming giving higher yield of fish is recommended.
15. Proper documentation of technologies, training & education of the farmers is important. Research findings should percolate down to the grassroot level.
