The Hindu Business Line : Fisheries institute demonstrates cage culture in Vizag

Visakhapatnam, April 27 For the first time in the country, the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has demonstrated here that cage culture of marine species could be undertaken. The first crop was harvested. The local branch of CMFRI, which developed the technology, first undertook cage culture last year, but did not prove successful in the first attempt.

The cage, placed in the Bay of Bengal, was washed ashore and another attempt was made, after making modifications to the cage. Mr Mohan Joseph Modayil of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and former Director of CMFRI, said Visakhapatnam had been chosen to demonstrate the project, as aqua farmers of Andhra Pradesh were pioneers, especially in shrimp culture.

He said the project had first been conceived five years ago when he was the Director of CMFRI.

“Cage culture of marine species is commercially viable and it will greatly enhance production.

The returns to farmers will be high,” he explained. He said China, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Australia had made giant strides in cage culture and there was no reason why India should be lagging, with all its advantages.

‘Can take roots’

Mr N.G.K. Pillai, Director of CMFRI, expressed confidence that cage culture would take roots, especially in Andhra Pradesh. Dr G. Syda Rao, scientist in-charge of the local branch of CMFRI, said that some 1,400 seed of Asia Bass (locally known as Pandugappalu) were stocked in the cage on December 23, 2007.

They were fed with low-value fish on a daily basis. The first harvest was carried out on Saturday. Commercial production could begin from June, he said.

Dr Rao said that a one-time capital investment of Rs 15 lakh would be needed and the culture cost for seven months would be Rs 16 lakh.

The yield would be roughly 25 tonnes and the estimated return Rs 35 lakh per crop, he added.

More Stories on : Aquaculture | Agricultural Institutions | Andhra Pradesh

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
US Navy alert on cyclone formation in Bay

Fisheries institute demonstrates cage culture in Vizag

TNAU pact with Canada college

Good demand for CTC teas in N India sale

Gold to test support levels

FAPCCI seeks removal of sales tax on foodgrains

Castor seed futures may remain firm

NECC asks AP Govt to recognise poultry as agri activity

Short-term weakness tells on gold, despite minor recovery