Fish Farming in India: Economic Benefits and Sustainable Management Strategies

Fish is very popular all over the world. About 60 percent of people in India include fish in their diet. The demand for fish is also increasing continuously in the Indian market, but it is not easy for the fish farmer to produce fish. Therefore, Fish Farming in India has become a great business in India. Many people want to start fish farming business or are planning to do it, then information related to fish farming is very important for you. We have brought important information related to fish farming in India for you.

Cost of starting fish farming in India

The cost of starting fish farming in India can vary. Small scale fish farming can earn you Rs 5000 to Rs 10000 per month. Depending on the size of your pond, it can cost you Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 initially. But this can help you earn Rs 3 to 5 lakh per acre. The price of fish ranges from Rs 100 to Rs 160 per kg. However, prices may vary from state to state. Most of the fish in India are produced in states like Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu etc.

Types of Fish Farms in India

Fish farming in India is done in two ways:

1. Freshwater fish farming: In this, fish that live in freshwater are reared. Such as Katla, Rohu, freshwater prawns, freshwater pearls, ornamental fish etc.

2. Saltwater fish farming: In this, those fish are reared which live in sea or salt water. Such as grey mullet (a kind of sea fish), tiger prawns, mud crabs etc.

Different methods and precautions have to be adopted for every type of fish farming. Farmers can do either one or both of these types of fish farming according to their area, resources and market demand.

Best Fish For Farming In India

Some main fish for fish farming in India are as follows –

Ornamental fish: People now like to keep aquariums in their homes. Therefore, the demand for ornamental fish has increased. Among these, fish like white cloud, goldfish, and guppy are very much liked by the people.

Catfish fish: Catfish fish farming is very much liked by farmers. Because it is easy to raise them, especially in warm places. You can keep them in a pond or tank. People buy them a lot in the market. You can start earning money from them in just one and a half years.

Tilapia fish: Tilapia fish contains a lot of protein, it is large and grows fast. It grows well in a temperature of 28 to 30 degrees.

Cod fish: Cod fish is sold a lot in Europe and America. People are liking it more day by day. But keep this in mind, it has to be reared for 2-3 years before selling it.

Grass carp fish: Grass carp fish lives in fresh water. Flowing water is required to rear it. By doing this, it lays more eggs.

Eel fish: The body of eel fish is long, sticky and slippery like a snake. This fish is reared and sold the most in China, Japan and Taiwan.

Shrimp: Shrimp is liked as seafood all over the world. That is why farmers rear it a lot.

Salmon fish: Salmon is one of the popular fish species that farmers like to raise. The most famous of them is Atlantic salmon.

Tuna fish: Tuna is a seawater fish. They eat meat. They are very popular in Japan. But raising them is a bit difficult.

Silver carp fish: Raising silver carp fish is easy and does not require much money. Farmers can also raise other species of fish along with them. They can live in 6 to 28 degree temperatures.

Advantages of Fish Farming

Fish farming in India can be very profitable. Because many people in India eat fish every day. Now when there is a high demand for something and it sells at a good price, then it gives good income. The price of fish is also good. So, the biggest advantage of raising fish is that good money can be earned from it.

Another advantage is that the climate of India is very good for fish farming. The heat and humidity here help the fish to grow. Starting a fish farm is also not a very difficult task. You just need to take training, choose the right type of fish, and invest some money. You can also do this business with your family members. In this way, fish farming can be a good and easy business, from which you can earn good money. 

Fish Farming Tips

Before starting fish farming in India, keep these main things in mind-

1. Keep the pH value of water correct: Every fish needs a different pH. Wrong pH can make fish sick, so add acid or base to correct the pH.

2. Take care of the pond: Keep the water 5-6 feet deep and keep the temperature between 28°C to 38°C. Also, planting trees around the pond will keep it cool.

3. Increase oxygen in the water: Add fresh water or use an aerator. Fish grow faster with more oxygen.

4. Choose good soil: The pond should have soil that has high water retention capacity and keep adding nutrients to the water.

5. Pay attention in summer: Algae can increase pH, if the water turns green-brown or red, do not add fertilizer.

6. Clean the pond: Clean the bottom of the pond from time to time. Because the gases settled at the bottom can be poisonous.

7. Take care of fish diseases: Do not feed sick fish.

Remember, with these tips your fish will remain healthy and grow well.

Success Story in Fish Farming

Pancham Singh of Tehri district of Uttarakhand in India has also been successfully producing rainbow trout fish for about 5 years. Rainbow Trout Fish is a foreign fish which is being produced in large quantities in the hilly areas of the country and Rainbow Trout fish farming has become a good source of self-employment for the people here.

Pancham Singh told about the beginning of his journey that before 2013, paddy, wheat, peas, coriander, ginger, everything was cultivated, but after the natural disaster in 2013-14, the land became rocky, due to which it was not possible to grow crops, so Pancham Singh turned the disaster into an opportunity and took help from the Fisheries Department and he got 40 percent subsidy for trout fish farming. After which he started trout fish farming in 2018-19. Today, along with fish farming, he also has a hatchery where he also produces fish fry.

Listen to the story of this youth from Mizoram, 28-year-old C Lalmingthanga has 2.5 acres of land. However, instead of farming, his family mainly depends on fish farming. Earlier they were not able to earn enough from this. The reason for this was the lack of skills in the field of fish farming. So, C Lalmingthanga participated in a training program. Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) organized this training program on ‘Fish Farming and Management’ in February 2021 under Skill Training for Rural Youth (STRY).

This gave them information about scientific techniques of ornamental fish farming. By doing ornamental fish farming with scientific technology, C Lalmingthanga gets a net income of Rs 20 thousand per month. Today Lalmingthanga is not only taking his business forward, but is also helping other farmers of the village to move forward by explaining the importance of scientific fish farming. Along with this, he is also motivating the youth to come in this field.

Subsidies & Schemes Related To Fish Farming

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, the government has started a scheme of fish farming through backyard recirculatory aquaculture system. Under this scheme, the government is providing 60 percent subsidy to women, scheduled castes and tribes. Apart from this, there is also a provision in the scheme for the general public, in which they are being given 40 percent subsidy. Under this scheme, you can do fish farming by making a cemented tank at home.

Two major methods can be adopted for fish farming inside the house. The first method is the use of cemented tanks, and the second method is the use of plastic tanks. If you make a cemented tank, it should be such that at least 70 to 80 kg of fish can be kept. If you use a plastic tank, put 10 thousand Sindhi fish seeds in the tank at a time. It will take at least four months for these fish to grow up. By farming fish in a tank, you can easily earn a profit of up to Rs 2 lakh.

Frequently Asked Questions on Fish Farming in India

Question 1: Can good income be earned from fish farming in India?

Answer: Yes, fish farming is a very profitable business in India. There are five types of fish here which can earn good income. Fish farming can give a lot of profit.

Question 2: Which fish grows the fastest in India?

Answer: Katla fish grows the fastest. It is found in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Burma and Bangladesh. This fish lives on the upper surface of the water and eats small organisms.

Question 3: How much money can be earned from ornamental fish farming?

Answer: Ornamental fish farming can be done on a small or large scale. If you want to start a small business, it will cost you 50-60 thousand rupees to build a shed, buy fish food and necessary items. With this you can earn 3-5 thousand rupees every month.

Question 4: How to choose a place for fish farming?

Answer: To start fish farming, choose a place where water is easily available. Such as:

Near the river: Choosing a place near the river for fish farming ensures constant availability of water and better water quality. River water provides natural bacteria and insects, which can become a part of the diet of fish.

Near a pond: Fish farming near a pond provides easy access to natural water sources, which provides clean water to the fish.

Near a canal: Fish farming at a site near a canal provides adequate water for irrigation, which is beneficial for the health of the fish.

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