Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

A STUDY ON FISH CULTURE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN BHARATPUR DISTRICT OF RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Brijesh Kumar, R.S. Biradar, P.S. Ananthan and Biswajit Debnath

Abstract

Bharatpur district of Rajasthan is moderately potential for fish culture among 32 districts of this state and fish culture in this state is a promising socket which is still far from exhaustion. The study is based on the cross-sectional primary data collected through random sampling method under two different categories, i.e. producer with owned pond and producer with leased pond. This study identified that fish farming in the district was traditional to extensive type and the management activities during culture system differ between leased pond and owned pond farmers. Middle age group farmers with primary level of education are mainly involved in fish farming activity. Farming activities based on leased ponds were mainly done by more farming experienced farmers but with less input and management. Generally ponds under panchyat raj institutionswere found to be leased out and private ponds were observed to manage by the owners. Kama block of Bharatpur district had maximum number of private ponds. Overstocking with varied size of fish seed with lower manure and feeding were found to be a general practice in fish farming in the district. High price of fish seed, its low quality and involvement of middle men in fish marketing were three major problems faced by fish farmers besides Seasonality effects i.e. flooding in rainy season and shortage of water during pre-monsoon season. Opportunities exist for improvement and development of fish farming practices in the district.