Farmer's Handbook

Sustainable Aquaculture
Published by
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Registered offices
Bonn and Eschborn, Germany

Sustainable Aquaculture for Food and Livelihood (SAFAL)

Sarbeswar Bhawan, 1st by Ln, Jaya Nagar, Guwahati, Assam, 781022, India
E: info@[Link]
I: [Link]/india

Responsible
Pratap Sinha, Project Leader, SAFAL, GIZ India
Email: [Link]@[Link]

Author
Dr. Y. Basavaraju, Independent Consultant (Aquaculture)

Co-authors
Dr. Jens Kahle, Advisor, Global Program Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, GIZ
Dr. Jeherul Islam, Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisor, SAFAL, GIZ India

Editors
Dr. Bhagaban Kalita, Marketing Officer, Fisheries, Guwahati
Apurba Kumar Das, Joint Director of Fisheries (FFDA), Nodal Officer (RKVY and RIDF) and Lecturer, RFTI, Amranga
Krishna Kanta Kalita, DFDO and Superintendent of Fisheries, TCPC, Guwahati
Dr. Dhruba Jyoti Sarma, Managing Director, FISHFED, DoF, Assam, Nodal Officer, OPIU, DoF, Assam and AFIO
R. C. Roul, Addl. Fisheries Officer, DoF, Government of Odisha
Dr. Ambika Prasad Nayak, Scientist (FY. Sc.), KVK Puri
Dr. A. K. Das, Principle Scientist and In-Charge, Training & extension unit, ICAR-CIFRI
Dr. Sarada Kanta Bhagabati, HoD, Aquatic Environment Management, College of Fisheries, Assam Agricultural University, Raha

Content Review
Department of Fisheries (DoF), Assam; Department of Fisheries (DoF), Odisha; Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Krishi Vigyan
Kendra (ICAR-KVK), Puri; Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), West Bengal;
APART (Fisheries), Government of Assam; Pratap Sinha, Project Leader, SAFAL, GIZ India; Sandeep Nayak, Junior Advisor, SAFAL, GIZ
India; Imran Syed, Junior Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, SAFAL, GIZ India; Nijira Basumatary, Project Assistant, SAFAL, GIZ India;
Dharamananda Bhoi, Project Assistant, SAFAL, GIZ India; Christopher Sonten, Intern, GIZ; Priyam Kakoti Bora, Communications Consultant;
Kalong-Kapili; Seven Sisters Development Assistance (SeSTA); Innovative Change Collaborative Services Private Limited (ICCSPL); Gram
Utthan (GU); Darbar Sahitya Sansada (DSS); College of Fisheries, Assam Agricultural University, Raha; Hushframe Ideas Pvt Ltd, Kolkata;
Farmers.

Design and Layout

Crossed Design, New Delhi

GIZ is responsible for the content of this publication

On behalf of the
German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

Guwahati, May, 2023

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
On behalf of Food Security through Integrated Aquaculture in Assam and Odisha (EIAA)
(proposed new name: Sustainable Aquaculture and Livelihood (SAFAL)), GIZ India, we
are grateful to our implementation partners, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying (MoFAHD), Government of India and Department of Fisheries, Assam and Odisha.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Shri Paban Kumar Borthakur, IAS,
Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Assam; Hon’ble Shri Rakesh Kumar, IAS, Commissioner
& Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Department of Fisheries; Hon’ble Shri Suresh Kumar
Vashishth, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development
Department, Odisha; Hon’ble Shri Smruti Ranjan Pradhan, IAS, Director, Directorate of
Fisheries, Odisha; Shri Nirmal Kanti Debnath, ACS, Director, Department of Fisheries,
Assam and Joint Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Fishery Department and Shri Debananda
Bhanja, Additional Director - Technical, Department of Fisheries, Odisha for their support to
the project.

The advice and suggestions from the various officials from ICAR-CIFRI, West Bengal and
ICAR-KVK, Puri; officials of APART (Fisheries); officials of Assam State Rural Livelihood
Mission (ASRLM) coupled with the experience of the officials of the Civil Society Organisations
(CSOs), Farmer Institutions, Community Resource Persons (CRPs) and Farmers of Assam
and Odisha at the grassroots level have added value to the knowledge products.

We acknowledge with gratitude the intellectual advice from various professors of the
College of Fisheries, Assam Agricultural University, Raha on various issues related to the
knowledge products.

The process of development of the knowledge products would be incomplete without

mentioning Subhankar Goswami, Junior Administrative Specialist, GIZ Regional Office
Guwahati; Amit Rabha, Junior Evaluation Advisor, SAFAL, GIZ India and Raju Tamang
along with colleagues from GIZ India office who have been involved in various stages of the
preparation of the knowledge products since inception.

Finally, but not least, we are indebted to all the respondents, who took out time to answer
our queries during the development and testing of the knowledge products.

We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all users of
this Farmer’s Handbook. We believe that this knowledge product would go a long way
in helping the pond-based fish farmers in their effort to practise sustainable aquaculture
in an environment-friendly and profitable manner. The knowledge products would also be
helpful to academicians and researchers in understanding the problems of pond-based fish
farmers and designing practical solutions. In conclusion, the efforts could allow fish farmers
to optimise their practice of sustainable aquaculture for generations to come.

Pratap Sinha
Project Leader, SAFAL, GIZ India
 Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Pre-stocking 5
2.1 Construction of new pond 5
2.1.1 Site selection 5
2.1.2 Pond construction 8
2.1.3 Pond preparation & existing pond renovation 11
2.2 Liming and manuring 13
2.3 Manuring 16
2.3.1 Manuring for newly constructed pond it that can be
completed drained 16
2.3.2 Manuring pond that cannot be completely drained 19
2.4 Pre-stocking economics 20

3. On-stocking 24
3.0 On-stocking 24
3.0.1 Culture systems in aquaculture 24
3.0.2 Selection of fish species 25
3.0.3 Fish seed selection criteria- sourcing 25
3.0.4 Identification of good quality seeds 26
3.1 Species stocking 26
3.1.1 Stocking size and density 26
3.2 Species composition 27
3.3 Transportation of fish seed 31
3.3.1 Preparation for transportation 31
3.3.2 Methods of transportation 32
3.3.3 Timimg of transportation 34
3.4 Release of fish seed 34
3.5 On-stocking economics 35

4. Post-stocking 37
4.1 Water quality management 38
4.1.1 Physical parameters 38
4.1.2 Biological parameters 39
4.1.3 Chemical parameters 40
4.2 Liming 42
4.2.1 Types of lime used 42
4.2.2 Liming dosage and mode of application 42
4.3 Manuring 42
 4.4 Feed management 43
4.4.1 Natural feed 44
4.4.2 Supplementary feeding 45
4.4.3 Feeding rate, methods and feeding schedule 46
4.5 Diseases 48
4.5.1 Causes 48
4.5.2 Types of diseases 49
4.5.3 Management of diseases 52
4.5.4 Management of pond hygiene 53
4.6 Sampling 53
4.7 Harvest 54
4.7.1 General comments 54
4.7.2 Types of harvest 55
4.8 Women in Aquaculture 56

Annexure 59
Success stories: Odisha 59
Success stories: Assam 62

Abbreviations 68

Farmer Exercise Book 69

Sustainable Aquaculture: Grow out economics 75

 Farmer’s Handbook

Chapter

Introduction 1
The aquaculture, an allied agricultural activity is considered as a
major sector in boosting social and economic development in terms
of providing employment and livelihood in addition to food and
nutritional security. Fish is an important nutritious and health food
item. Fresh water aquaculture, is an integral part of farming activities
in Eastern and North eastern states.

Fresh water aquaculture in India is dominated by carp species

contributing over 85% of the total aquaculture production and
hence focus is on carp aquaculture. Carps feed at the primary
and secondary level in the food web and are efficient utilizers of
plankton to meet their major protein and other requirements from
natural food and require minimum additional supplementation to
meet energy requirement. The preference to carps specially Indian
Major Carps (IMC and other carps is also attributed to availability
of seed, availability of technology, know how on carp farming and
most importantly consumer preference and steady demand for carps
in the market. Aquaculture has to be a sustainable activity to face
the challenges in the present and future. Sustainable aquaculture
focuses on environmental, economic and social sustainability to
improve capacity building and effective utilization of available land for
aquaculture purpose.

Nutritional value of carp

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Health benefits of eating fish

Environmental sustainability Economic sustainability

Farming practices should be eco-friendly The aquaculture practice should result in
and not impose any serious threat to long term sustained production resulting as
environment, biodiversity and ecosystem a profitable activity in long term prospects

Social sustainability
Practices should be socially responsible and
contribute to the welfare of the local community
Importance of sustainability

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Farming practices should be eco-friendly and not impose any serious threat
to environment, biodiversity and ecosystem to make it environmentally
sustainable. The aquaculture practices should result in long term sustained
production resulting in a profitable activity to make it and to bring in
economic sustainability and also contribute to the welfare of the society.
Aquaculture, to be a sustainable activity needs to be supported by
technically sound and adaptable package of practices. In this manner basic
concepts include:

Pond site should be located in a suitable place and fish pond constructed in
a more user friendly way for ease of operation and management.
Use of fish species which are fast growing, efficiently converting natural
fish food available in the pond into fish flesh in a reasonably short time
Furthermore, they should be, compatible to each other and do not compete
for food and space so that they can be grown together for rational and
efficient utilization of available food and space in the pond. Also, they
should have the ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental changes
likely to happen.
Use of organic manures (Biological waste of animals) in appropriate
quantity and no or minimal use of chemical fertilizers
Use of supplementary feed made out of locally available feed ingredients
(farm made feed) to make it chemical free product and also reduce the
feeding costs.
Good Management Practices(GMP) in post stocking management practices
(water quality, feeding practices and fish health management) to have a
sustained aquaculture production.
Reduce the cost of production to increase profitability in a sustained manner by
following Standard Operating procedures(SOPs) in reality and avoiding excess
use of inputs.

This hand book is prepared keeping in mind the aquafarmers as the main target
groups to use this hand book and hence the contents are focused primarily on what
farmers have to know to decide what needs to be done to make their aquaculture
business sustainable. The hand book also contains relevant illustrations and
few frequently asked questions(FAQs) that farmers might ask and these are also
provided at the end of each task /chapter.

The term ‘Farmer/Aquaculture Service Provider (ASP)/Community Resource Person (CRP)’ in this book describes all 3
individuals involved in the aquaculture value chain, regardless of their gender identity.
 Farmer’s Handbook

Risk Factors:
• Defective pond site location: If selected pond site is not suitable for
aquaculture operations, construction cost, pumping cost, manuring cost
and other operational costs are going to influence the final economic
viability of the project. So, ideal site selection for pond construction is
the most important factor to initiate the aquaculture operation.

• Undependable source of quality water: Water is the primary requisite

to commence aquaculture operation. If the source of water is unreliable
or the water availability of the selected source is inconsistent, entire
aquaculture operation is going to be affected. So, careful selection of
water source is another important factor of ideal pond construction site
identification.

• Aged ponds: Use of same pond more than 5 years continuously (without
preparation between the production cycles) gap and cleaning may lead
to increased incidence of diseases. The infectious disease incidence was
43% in farms of above 5 years of age as against 15% in farms less than 5
years age.

• High intensive practices: Farmer who wants to adapt high intensive fish
farming needs to make sure that the infrastructure and resources should
be ample to support the selected mode of fish farming operation. If not,
it will affect the survival, growth, health and finally the profitability of
the venture.

• Lack of knowhow of technologies: This risk factor is going to create

havoc in the entire fish farming operation, having the basic knowledge
about aquaculture operational methodology and minimal farm
management skills are very much essential. Absolute objective of this
knowledge material is to provide required knowledge to the end user.

FAQs
• Why we should grow fish?
• What are the benefits of aquaculture?
• How to I make an aquaculture system sustainable?
• Are there any negative impacts of aquaculture on the environment?

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Chapter

Pre-stocking
Pre-stocking operation involves following key phases like proper site
selection, good cost optimized pond construction plan, proper execution of
the construction plan and how to prepare the pond well for development of
2
optimum planktonic density in the pond. These factors are directly related
to the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of your aquaculture
operation.

2.1 Construction of new pond

Building a new aquaculture pond consists of numerous influencing factors
which needs to be understood and well planned before venturing into
sustainable aquaculture operation. These factors are directly related to the
productivity, profitability, and sustainability of your aquaculture operation.
Core aspects involved in building a new aquaculture pond are listed and
explained in detail below.

2.1.1 Site selection

Criteria for selection of site suitable for pond constrution:
Land: Less suitable for other agricultural activity can be used for constructing a
fish pond.

Located near your Avoid steep

stay with road slope & over-
connectivity and covering trees Water source
power supply close to the
pond & available
around the year

Pond
site well
connected

Gentle slope Preferred sources:

Rivers, canals, streams,
for easy
dam, open well, borewell.
drainage Don’t rely on rainwater as
it is not reliable

Ideal site location for the pond

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Use land with gentle slope for constructing the fish pond to make it easy to
empty enabling easy netting and fish harvest and drain out the water.
Do not use the land in a very low lying area, which is close to a river as it
is likely to be flooded during rainy season and may dry up during winter/
summer season.
A steep hill is not suitable for building a pond as access to water may be
difficult, more seepage and construction cost may also increase.

Source of water: Locate your land for fish pond where water is available
all-round the year to enable maximum culture period. Do not depend
only on rain water for your pond because it is not reliable. Water rich in
nutrients, well oxygenated slightly alkaline and uncontaminated is called
good quality water.
The most suitable water source is from natural sources like reservoirs/
canals with a mechanism to prevent entry of wild fish (by putting screens)
and avoiding silting of pond in the long run by providing silt traps.

Water source type Advantages Disadvantages

Perennial River 1. Suitable water source 1. Pollution threat
(Water should be 2. Less pumping cost 2. Weed fish entry
available throughout 3. Can pump large 3. Organic loads during
the year) volumes of water in less rainy season
time 4. Flooding
4. Can do quick water 5. Bacterial & parasitic
exchange during infection possibility
emergency situations
Perennial creek 1. Suitable water source 1. Pollution threat
(Water should be 2. Less pumping cost 2. Weed fish entry
available throughout 3. Can pump large 3. Organic loads during
the year) volumes of water in less rainy season
time 4. Flooding
4. Can do quick water 5. Bacterial & parasitic
exchange during infection possibility
emergency situations
Agriculture canal 1. Suitable water source 1. Pollution threat
(Water should be 2. Less pumping cost 2. Pesticide contamination
available minimum 3. Can pump large 3. Bacterial & parasitic
during the culture volumes of water in less infection possibility
cycle) time 4. Weed fish entry
4. Can do quick water 5. Organic loads during
exchange during rainy season
emergency situations

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Reservoirs or lakes 1. Suitable water source 1. Pollution threat

or dams 2. Less pumping cost 2. Pesticide
(Water should be 3. Can pump large contaminations
available minimum volumes of water in less 3. Bacterial & parasitic
during the culture time infection possibility
cycle) 4. Can do quick water 4. Weed fish entry
exchange during 5. Organic loads during
emergency situations rainy season
Borewell 1. Sterile water 1. More manuring and
(Water should be 2. No bacterial water culture cost
available throughout contaminations 2. More pumping cost
the year) 3. Takes more time for
pumping
4. Quick water exchange is
not possible
Agriculture drains 1. Ample water availability 1. More organic loads
(Water should be 2. Can do quick water 2. Pollution & pesticide
available minimum exchange threat
during the culture 3. Lesser water culture 3. Weed fish entry
cycle) and manuring cost 4. Flooding
4. Lesser pumping cost 5. Bacterial & parasitic
infection possibility
Table 1: Pros and cons of different water sources

Access to a good road network and communication systems for supply of

inputs from outside and also for transportation and marketing of fish are
very important.

Availability of relatively reliable power source (Electric/solar other

renewable energy source) to allow for pumping, aeration and light should
be given.
Preferably locate the pond close to your homestead/stay, so it is easy
accessible for better management and security of fish.
Locate the pond in a pollution free area (away from industrial area).
Locate the pond in a soil with good water holding capacity.

Loamy, clay loamy and silt clay soil types are most suitable for pond
construction. A good quality gravel should not exceed 10 percent. Thus the
rocky, sandy, gravel and limestone soil types are to be avoided. Soil plays an
important role in regard to the fertility of fish ponds.
Avoid sandy soil as water retention is very poor.
The water retention can be assessed in the filed by taking a handful of soil,
moist it and squeeze in to a ball and throw in the air and catch it. If it holds
together it is a good soil that has water holding capacity. The more accurate
method is to get the soil texture analysis done in a laboratory.

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 Farmer’s Handbook

2.1.2 Pond construction

The type, number, and shape of the ponds to build depend on the
topographical profile of a site. To choose a good site for a fishpond, there is
a need to measure several things, including:
• The area of land available.
• The slope of the land.
• The elevation (height) of the land in relation to the source of water that
will be used.
• The distance between the source of water and the location of the ponds.
• The best way to supply water to the ponds.
• The easiest way of draining the ponds.

The core aspects involved in building a new aquaculture pond are listed
below:

Pond details
Type:
Earthen pond is best suited for carp culture. Production of plankton -
natural food for carps to meet their nutrient requirement is very essential
and for which soil base is a must. Construction cost of earthen pond is low
compared to stone riveted and concrete ponds.
Even if the pond sides are covered with plastic lining/granite pitching/
concrete to prevent water seepage, soil bottom is a must for carp
aquaculture to produce plankton for improved fish growth and health.

Shape:
Ponds of any shape could be used for aquaculture purpose but for
operational ease, rectangular shaped ponds are preferred as they are easy
to construct & facilitate operations & maintenance like cleaning or handling
the fish. (less workforce with lesser length drag net).

Size of the pond and water depth:

There is no specific size for aquaculture purpose. Water body of any size
and shape with minimum water depth of around 1m can be utilized for
producing fish.
Very small ponds could also be used for producing fish for self-
consumption but may not be very economical.
Very large ponds are not preferred from operational point of view.
Hence, for economic and operational purpose some sizes and shapes are
preferable.

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Size of pond Type of aquaculture

Less than 0.02 ha For small scale production mainly for self-
consumption
Water Area 0.02 -0.2 ha Can be used for fish production but would be
(25x6 or 40m x 25m (L x B)) better to use for seed rearing (Nursery and
Water depth 1-1.5m rearing ponds) and 2-3 crops can be obtained
(Pond depth 1.75m) in a season

Water Area: 0.2-1ha (800sq.m)- Grow out ponds for producing table sized fish
40x20m to 1 ha(10000sqm) or fish of marketable size
-250mx40m or 200mX50m
Water depth 1.5-2m)-
Pond depth 2.5 m

Table 2: Suitable pond size for different operations

Construction details
Pond details like height, width, slope, pond depth are key factors in
construction of an ideal fish pond.

Parameters Recommendations
Embankment height 0.75 - 1 m above the water level (free board)
Embankment width at 1.5 - 2 m
top 1:1.5
Embankment slope
Pond bottom Levelled with a gentle slope towards outlet point
(lower end)
Over flow point At the top water level (where free board starts)

Water supply point From the top –opposite to over flow/out let
(inlet) point(upper end)
Drainage point (outlet) At the bottom of the lower end bank- opposite to
inlet (lower end) with a control valve outside the
pond
Make its bottom about 10 cm below the deepest point
in the pond
A concrete fish collection chamber
(0.75x0.75x0.75m) near the out let point for
collection of fish
Table 3: Pond construction details

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Embankment (dyke)
width at top= 1.5 -2 m Pond depth Water depth = 1
Inlet pipe = 1.75 - 2 m - 1.5 m

Dyke/ embankment slope=

1:1.5 (Depth:width)

Pond cross-sectional details (inlet side)

Bottom drain Overflow pipe

Drainage

Sloping outlet pipe

Pond cross-sectional details (outlet side)

Completed pond

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 Farmer’s Handbook

2.1.3 Pond preparation & existing pond

renovation
In this section we will know about different steps involved in pond
preparation and to repair existing dykes, pond bottom, and the inlet and
outlet systems of the pond.
Steps involved in pond preparation for existing ponds involves
• Dewatering
• Removal of sludge (silt)
• Sun drying (until soil is cracking)
• Ploughing, raking
• Lime application
• Water filling (first only 30 cm until plankton develops)
• Organic manure application
• Fill it to required depth

[Link] Ponds that are drainable

Dewatering and repairs
If pond can be de watered either by draining though natural draining or by
pumping out, empty the pond completely.
Remove sludge (silt) from the pond bottom once in year during summer
months and this can be recycled as manure for agricultural crops .
Allow it to sun drying for till cracks are developed: Advantages are aerating
surface sediments, oxidizing reduce compounds such as such as H2S, NO3,
NH3, Ferrous iron, Methane and decomposition and mineralization of
organic matter.

Cleaning and repairing

Turf/grass pitching in the pond bank area will avoid erosion of dykes.
During rainy days covering top of the pond bank with low cost polythene
sheet or dry paddy hay will reduce soil erosion.
Free the pond from all aquatic /terrestrial plants grown on the dykes (both
outside and inside).
Level the pond bottom with gentle slope towards the outlet (drainage point)
Repair any crevasses on the pond dykes and the sides are levelled to get
proper slope.
Strengthen/repair the dykes by proper compacting to avoid seepage of
water.
Compact soil of affected area either manually or, apply sodium bentonite
(Bentonite clay).
Manual compacting is suggested for small ponds. Bentonite clay (Sodium
bentonite), a natural clay which acts as natural sealant can be used for large

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ponds for control of seepage as it expands as soon it comes in touch with

water. The dosage required ranges from 150-300tons/ha depending the soil
type. Sandy soils require more whereas soil with clay mix will require less
quantity. The cost is around 1600 Rs/ton.
Ensure that inlet and outlet are working properly.
Fencing of pond to a height of 1 m using pegs and nylon netting on the
periphery of the pond to prevent entry of snakes, frogs and other predators
(biosecurity) in to the pond.
Avoid bird predation –Options
1. Covering the pond with nylon net. More effective but costly
2. Tying cassette Tapes/lines at 50 cm to create sound due to wind effect
will scare away the birds- comparatively low cost but they may tear away
if the wind is very strong
3. Manual bird scaring by beating drums/ tin cans during early morning
and evening hours

Clean surroundings
Clear all the bushes on the dykes and surrounding the pond. If trees are
present surrounding the pond, trim all the branches extending over the
pond if any, to avoid falling leaves and debris in to water
Turf/grass pitching in the pond bank area will avoid erosion of dykes
Remove trees very close to pond dyke to avoid roots creating hole in the
dyke and may result in pond leakage.

[Link] Ponds that are not drainable

If the existing ponds are not drainable either due to various reasons like
improper outlet and drain positioning, drain blockage or flooding, the
following approach can be adapted for the renovation process.

[Link] De-watering
If the ponds cannot be drained completely, dewater to extent possible by
pumping it out.

[Link] Cleaning and repairing

Remove all the fish by repeated netting and also manually remove all the
aquatic plants in the pond.
Disturb the pond bottom and allow escape of all the poisonous gas.
Use recommended suitable herbal products to eradicate unwanted fish and
other small animals from the pond.

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Manual cleaning of pond

[Link] Arrange pond surroundings

Remove all the shrubs and other plants grown inside the pond on the dykes,
bundhs.
Trim the branches of tree if any to avoid falling of leaves and debris in to
the pond as accumulation of leaves at the pond bottom which may lead to
decomposition leading to oxygen depletion. Remove the trees very close
to pond dyke as the roots may creep in create hole in the dyke resulting
leaking of pond.

2.2 Liming and manuring

Liming and Manuring / fertilizing are the two important steps in pond
preparation for a productive culture cycle. Zooplankton and phytoplankton
are the main natural food of fish in the pond. Usage of lime and manuring
will support this natural planktonic productivity and water quality
management.

[Link] Liming
Liming is an important step in preparation of ponds. Liming increases
the total alkalinity, pH and total hardness of pond water by increasing
the concentration of bicarbonate ion which is in equilibrium with carbon
dioxide. Application of lime has multiple benefits during pond preparation
as it kills pathogens and also acts as a disinfectant and buffering agent and

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regulates pH. Lime is applied to the soil before water filling during pond
preparation as a normal practice to kill the pathogen and treat the soil. It
also helps fish to maintain osmotic balance in water.
Liming and manuring are done separately. If we mix together and apply in
the water the pH and temperature suddenly increases and the calcium takes
carbon di oxide from the water and hampers the photosynthesis process.
That is why manure is applied 5 to 7 days after lime application.

Liming

However, in case of old and/or deep pond when drying is not possible,
reduce the water level as much as possible, kill the fish and then apply lime.
In such cases, use of herbal products to eradicate unwanted fish which also
acts as manure after detoxification. Quantity used depends on the pH of the
soil. For normal soils (pH 6.5-8.5) recommended dose is 250kg/ha. Best time
for lime application is in the afternoon hours.
Apply lime at least 5-7 days before manuring.

[Link] Types of lime

Calcium oxide (Quick lime): CaO
This lime produces heat when it mixes with water and very rapidly
increases the PH of soil and water. This lime is very much effective in those
ponds which are highly acidic. This lime is also very effective disinfectant
and prevents occurrence of diseases.

Calcium carbonate (Agriculture lime or calcite): CaCO3

Acid neutralizing power is very much less than that of other lime. This

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 Farmer’s Handbook
lime does not produce heat when it mixes with water. As this lime does not
increase the pH of the pond rapidly, so it is suitable to apply during post
management applications. It is mixed with water and soaked for 24-48 hours
and the milk part is used during post stocking management.

Calcium hydroxide (Slaked lime): Ca (OH)2

Acidity neutralizing power is less than that of quick lime. This lime
produces less heat than quick lime. Use of this lime in the pond is very less.

Dolomite: CaMg(CO3)2
Dolomite is used to treat water, increase the alkalinity of water, provide
trace elements and macro nutrients for fish feed and create an environment
for for microalgae (Phytoplankton) grow and hence normally used in pH
management during post stocking operation.

1. Calcium oxide 2. Calcium carbonate

3. Calcium hydroxide 4. Dolomite

Types of lime

[Link] Usage & quantity (dosage)

Quick lime is preferred during pond preparation for its quick action and
caustic effect. But care to be taken to cover nose and also use hand gloves as
it has caustic effect resulting in heat and vapours.
Agricultural lime or dolomite is preferred as this releases bicarbonate ions
slowly & for longer period of time to maintain alkalinity at desired levels.

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pH Agricultural lime(in kg/ha) Quick lime(in kg/ha)

6.5 250 230

6.0 550 460

5.5 750 690

5.0 1000 920

4.5 1250 1150

4.0 1500 1380

Table 4: Lime requirement for soil treatment during pond preparation for correcting pH

For correcting alkalinity of pond water and reducing pH (if >9.5),

agricultural Gypsum (CaSO4) is used. The dosage is around 3.2 tons/ha
Apply the lime covering entire pond bottom.
Application once during pond preparation and subsequently during culture
operation depending on the pH of water.

[Link] Water filling

Water of good quality is very critical for pond productivity.
Check the water for very important critical parameters –Dissolved Oxygen,
pH, Alkalinity and Hardness (Specially if bore well water is used).
Fill the water to about 1-2 feet, manure and then fill the water to required depth.
If water from natural source (River, streams, reservoirs, rain water) is directly
used, build a silt trap before the entry point to avoid silting of pond and cover the
inlet point with nylon mesh to avoid entry of unwanted fish or other material in to
pond and ensure water does not flow out of pond.

2.3 Manuring
Manuring of ponds is very essential for carp culture to produce plankton-
natural food of carps to meet most of its protein requirements. However,
while fertilization can benefit your farm pond, improper management can
lead to significant problems such as excessive aquatic vegetation or oxygen
depletion.

2.3.1 Manuring for newly constructed pond or

that can be completely drained
Sustained phytoplankton production is essential to produce required
zooplankton population in the pond as it is preferred food for carps.
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Pond manuring (organic manures mixed with small quantity of chemical

fertilizers) triggers the enhancement of autotrophic and heterotrophic
production in pond ecosystem.
Once the pond is ready for filling water, fill the water to about 2 ft and
manure the pond normally 5-7 days before stocking fingerlings.

[Link] Types of fertilizers, dosage and mode of

application
Fertilizers may be organic or inorganic. They each contain varying amounts
of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. A complete fertilizer usually is one
that contains all three nutrients.

[Link].1 Conventional method

Conventionally Fresh Cattle dung/Poultry manure in combination with
nitrogen and phosphorous based inorganic fertilizers are used.

Manuring

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Type of Manure/ Recommended Method of application

fertilizer quantity
Cattle dung (alone) 10-12 tons/ha/year 25-30% as initial dose at the
time of pond preparation
Poultry droppings (alone) 4-6 tons/ha/year and the balance in equal
instalments at fortnightly
interval
Combination of both 50% each

Nitrogen based fertilizer 100kg/ha/year Once at the time of pond

(Urea) preparation
Phosphorous based 50kg/h/year Once at the time of pond
(Single Super Phosphate) preparation
Table 5: Ingredients and quantity for preparation of improved manuring technique

[Link].2 Improved manuring technique

Phased manuring technique using only organic materials

Ingredient Quantity/ha (kg)

Jaggary 05.00
DORB 25.00
Oil cake 05.00
Yeast 00.25
Curd 1 ltr
Table 6: Ingredients and quantity for preparation of improved manuring technique

Process of preparation:
• Mix all the ingredients
• Anaerobic fermentation for 3-4 days and filter
• Mix with water and spray all over the pond in slurry form

Application method:
• Apply in the morning hours and sunny days are preferred
• Apply initially 3days before stocking fish
• Repeat once in two weeks depending the plankton density in the pond
which can be assessed with the help of sechi disc or dipping hand

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2.3.2 Manuring pond that cannot be completely

drained
In such cases, use of herbal products (Mohua oilcake) to eradicate
unwanted fish which also acts as manure after detoxification. These
products are effective at low dosage, non- hazardous to human and
livestock, shorter persistence of toxicity; no or minimal residual affect and
dead fish suitable for human consumption.
Only when mahua oil cake (MOC) is used as herbal product to eradicate
unwanted predatory/weed fishes from the pond, the basal manuring dose
of raw cow dung can be reduced to half. The residual toxicity of MOC will
remain for 3 weeks (21 days) Apply the herbal product 2 weeks before
stocking fish at a water depth of 2-3ft.

[Link] Type of herbal products, dosage and

toxicity period
Name of the Reccomended dosage Active Toxicity
product component period
Mahua oil cake 200-250 ppm (Volume of water Saponin or 2 weeks
(Bassia latifolia) is very critical) Mowrin
2000-2500kg/ha at 1 m water (4-6%)
depth
Derris root powder 1.5-2.0 ppm(15-20kg/ha at 1 m Rotenone 2 weeks
water depth) (5%)

Table 7: Type of herbal products, dosage and toxicity period

Mahua oil cake Derris root powder

Herbal products

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2.4 Pre-stocking economics

New pond construction cost:

Note: There is a considerable difference in construction cost between

exclusive manual labour usage and manual & mechanical hybrid mode.
In this economics estimate we considered the hybrid mode. But for the
convenience and knowledge of the user we provided both the details
separately below. In some places the possibility to use mechanical devises
might not be possible, in those places manual mode is the only way. This is
for a unit of 1 acre and need to be re calculated for the size of the pond.

One Time Capital Component Units Cost per Unit* Cost*

Investment
Costs
Asset acquisition Land purchase cost 1 Acre Rs. 1,00,000.00 Rs. 1,00,000.00
cost
Lease cost 1 Acre Rs. 15,000.00 Rs. 15,000.00
Soil quality & suitability 1 Acre Rs. 2,000.00 Rs. 2,000.00
assessment test
Survey, drawing & 1 Acre Rs. 5,000.00 Rs. 5,000.00
topographical work plan
A Total if purchased Rs. 1,07,000.00
the land
B Total if it is a lease Rs. 22,000.00
the land

Construction Clear vegetation in the site 1 Acre Rs. 2000.00/hour X Rs. 8000.00
cost for new with bulldozer 4 hours
pond
Remove topsoil with bulldozer 816 M3 Rs. 2000.00/hour X Rs. 24,000.00
12 hours
Build inlet pipe manually 1M Rs. 600.00/M Rs. 600.00
Dig drainage canal 1.5 M3 Rs. 600.00/M Rs. 900.00
Drainage pipeline installation 15 M Rs. 300.00/M Rs. 4500.00
Build dikes 2500 m3 Rs. 2000.00/hour X Rs. 60,000.00
30 hours
C Total Rs. 98,000.00

Infrastructure Warehouse 100 M2 Rs. 300.00/ M2 Rs. 30,000.00

Development
cost and others
Pumping system 5 Hp submersible pump cost 1 Rs. 45,000.00 Rs. 45,000.00
Boat 1 M.T volume boat 1 Rs. 10,000.00 Rs. 10,000.00

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Others Drainage pipes, cement, --- Rs. 25,000.00 Rs. 25,000.00

gravel etc
D Total Rs. 1,10,000

Value for farmer’s Farmer’s time for planning 15 days Rs. 1000.00 Rs. 15,000.00
time spent on the and execution supervision
site
E Total Rs. 15,000.00
Total capital investment (For lease pond) B+C+D+E Rs. 2,45,000.00
Total capital investment (For purchased pond) A+C+D+E Rs.3,30,000.00

* Indicative values, need to be verified and replaced with local cost.

* For example, and calculations purpose the pond size and other
dimensions are considered as follows.
Area: 1 Acre (4080 M2); Length:65 Meter; width: 62.77 Meter; Total dike
hight 2 Meter; After compaction dike hight: 1.8 Meter; Dike crust width:
2 Meter; Wet side dike slope: 2:1; Dry side Dike slope: 1.5:1; Water filling
depth: 1.5 meter.

Cost Variation between Manual Labour and Machinery:

With manual workforce:
Component Units Cost per Workforce Time Estimated Cost
unit required units for
calculation
Clear vegetation M2 Rs.2.00/M 4 people 4 people X 72 4080 M2 Rs. 8160.00
in the site hours
Topsoil M3 Rs. 36 / 12 people 12 people X 68 816 M3 (for Rs. 29,376.00
removal/ M3 hours=816hours 4080 M2
storage (0.20 m) (1M3/hour area)
excavation &
moving)
Build inlet pipe M Rs. 2 people 2 X 2 hours 1M Rs. 600.00
600.00/M
Dig drainage M3 Rs. 2 people 2 people X 2 hours 1.5 M3 Rs. 900.00
canal digging 15 600.00/M =4 hours (0.75M3/
M long &0.1 M2 hour excavation &
deep moving)
Drainage M Rs. 4 people 4 people X 8 hours 15 M Rs. 4500.00
pipeline 300.00/M =32 hours
installation
Build dikes M3 Rs. 36/M3 36 people 36 people X 70 2500 M3 Rs. 90,000.00
(65 M length X hours
62.77 M width (1M3/hour
X 2-meter hight excavation &
and 2-meter moving)
crust)
Total Rs.
1,33,536.00

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With machinery & manual combination work:

Component Units Cost per Resources Time Estimated Cost

Unit required units for
calculation
Clear M2 Rs.2000.00 1 4 hours 4080 M2 Rs. 8000.00
vegetation in /hour Bulldozer
the site
Topsoil M3 Rs. 2000 / 1 12 Hours 816 M3 (for Rs. 24,000.00
removal/ hour Bulldozer (excavation & 4080 M2
storage (0.20 m) moving) area)

Build inlet pipe M Rs. 2 2 X 2 hours 1M Rs. 600.00

600.00/M Bulldozer
Dig drainage M3 Rs. 2 2 people X 2 1.5 M3 Rs. 900.00
canal digging 600.00/M Bulldozer hours =4 hours
15 M long &0.1 (0.75M3/hour
M2 deep excavation &
moving)
Drainage M Rs. 4 4 people X 8 15 M Rs. 4500.00
pipeline 300.00/M Bulldozer hours =32 hours
installation

Build dikes M3 Rs. 2000/ 1 30 hours 2500 M3 Rs. 60,000.00

(65 M length X hour Bulldozer (excavation
62.77 M width & moving &
X 2-meter hight compaction)
and 2-meter
crust)
Total Rs. 98,000.00

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Risk Factors:
• Locating pond in close proximity to rivers/streams can often result in
flooding of ponds and loss of fish and damage to pond

• Depending only on rain water or undependable source of water

• Pond construction in soil with low water retention will increase demand
for more water

• Construction of pond without proper slope and weak dykes may result in
erosion of pond dykes leading to pond damage

• Partial draining of pond and non-removal of sludge for many years

may lead to increase in chances of disease outbreak and deterioration
of soil quality (particularly in non-drainable pond). The incidence rate
of infectious diseases in non-drainable ponds farms was 39%; while in
completely drained ponds, it was only 19%

• The incidence rate of infectious diseases was observed to be 32% in the

ponds which were sun dried against 26% in ponds not sun dried till the
bottom show cracks

FAQs
• How do I prepare my pond before stocking fish seed?
• Why should I use lime to my pond?
• What are the different types of limes available in the market and
which are more suited?
• What precaution we should take while applying lime?
• Why should we manure my fish pond?
• What are different types of manures that can be used?
• What are the advantage of organic manuring?
• Why we should not use more chemical fertilizers?
• How do I prepare and manure my pond which is not drainable?
• What are the advantages of herbal products for eradicating
unwanted fish in the pond?
• How do I select site for locating my fish pond?
• What are the reliable source of water for fish pond?
• What is the ideal size of the pond for aquaculture?
• I have a undrainable pond and how do I prepare the pond?

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Chapter

3.0 On stocking
On-stocking 3
Aquaculture practices can be classified in several ways, depending upon
the different aspects and conditions involved in the culture practice. Some
major and important classifications are given below based on the different
aspects involved in aquaculture.
Basis Variant
Salinity Freshwater Brackish Marine water
farming farming farming

Intensity Extensive fish Semi-intensive Intensive fish

farming system fish farming farming system
system

Fish species Monoculture Polyculture

Enclosure Pond culture Cage culture Pen culture Race-way Indoor

culture farming

Integration Agriculture cum Animal

fish farming husbandry cum
fish farming

Table 8: Different types of aquaculture practices

3.0.1 Culture systems in aquaculture

In this section we will be focussing on pond based freshwater fish farming.
So, the classification pertaining to this segment will only be discussed on
the basis of intensity of inputs and stocking density.
Fresh water aquaculture is primarily carp based with three Indian major
carps Catla, Rohu and Mrigal are grown with three exotic carps, silver carp,
grass carp and common carp as the six species mixed species farming, also
known as polyculture or composite fish culture. Carp culture in most cases
is undertaken in earthen ponds or ponds with soil bottom. Over the years
culture practices are evolved utilizing variety of carp species, manures,
fertilizers, feed, water quality management, health management etc.

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Based on the level of management and out put the culture systems are
categorised in to Extensive, Semi intensive and Extensive systems.

Extensive
Fish seed is the principal input and plankton (natural food) forms the only
source of nutrition for fish n this system. Natural productivity is augmented
by use of low inputs such as animal dungs/Biogas slurry etc.,as manure to
trigger plankton production and stocking of fingerlings at low stocking
density –(2500-3000/ha).

Semi intensive
In this system, supplementary feed (Conventional feed of Rice bran
and oil cake ) is given in addition to manures for enhancing fish
growth and production. Proper pond preparation, appropriate stocking
density(5000-7500/ha), supplementary feeding water quality monitoring are
the key feature of this technology.

Intensive or High input system

High stocking density (10000-15000) combined with higher feed inputs
(balanced diet), good water quality management, aeration, water exchange
and additional inputs like probiotics, growth promotors etc., are the key
characteristics of intensive farming system aimed at higher fish production
from unit area.

3.0.2 Selection of fish species

Criteria for selection of fish species for Aquaculture
• Fast growing species (attain marketable stage in a reasonable time (6-
8months)
• Feed at lower level in the food chain (short food chain- Plankton),
• Efficient food conversion

Compatible to each other and remain in their suitable niche / sub-niche

• Accept external feed (supplementary feed)
• Tolerance to fluctuating environmental variations and to diseases and
parasites
• Good consumer demand and fetch Good market rate
• Relatively Low cost of production/kg of fish

3.0.3 Fish Seed selection criteria – sourcing

Sourcing good source is important as it is the key input determining
production.

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Source it preferably from a certified hatchery (if available) or from

a reputed hatchery using good breed, following good brood stock
management, hatchery practices (no mixed species breeding) and seed
rearing techniques.
Preferable to visit seed supplying hatchery prior to selection .
If required in small quantity it is preferable to get from nearby hatchery for
easy transportation and reduce cost of transportation.
Avoid seed from mixed breeding hatchery as this may be a mix of two
different species.

3.0.4 Identification of good quality seed

On field observations to identify good quality seed are
• Active movement in groups
• Body shining
• Uniform in size
• Healthy in appearance. No physical injuries
• Free from external parasites
• No body deformities and slippery scales
• Their body should be covered with a thin mucus layer (Protective shield)

3.1 Species stocking

When selecting a species to grow in an aquaculture system, there are a
variety of factors to consider ensuring you are choosing a species that
will do well in a controlled environment and is also marketable. Some of
the more important characteristics to consider include nutritional needs,
reproductive habits, disease resistance, stocking density, ability to succeed
in polyculture, and marketability Species combination primarily depends
on the consumer/market demand and availability of seed of required
species at right time in required quantity.

3.1.1 Stocking size and density

The number of fingerlings to be stocked depends on the type of farming
practice - Extensive (low input), semi intensive (medium input) and
intensive (high input) culture systems. All the three types are in practice
depending on the pond size, water depth, availability of external inputs like
feed and also the investment and managerial capacity of the farmer.

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Culture system Preferred size at Water depth Stocking den- Anticipated fish
stocking sity/ha production /ha

Extensive Fingerlings 1-1.5 m 2500-3000 2-3 tons/ha

(8-10cm)
Semi intensive Advanced (10-15 cm) 1.5-2 m 5000-7500 5-8 tons/ha
fingerlings

Intensive Fish weighing 50-100 2-2.5 m 15000-20000 10-15 tons/ha

g(stunted fish of 5-6
months old)

Table 9: Suggested stocking size and density for different aquaculture systems

3.2 Species composition

Species combination primarily depends on the consumer/market demand
and availability of seed of required species at right time in required quantity
The technology of aquaculture has seen major changes over the years with
incorporation of compatible medium and minor carps (Puntius gonionatus;
fimbriatus) and small indigenous species(SIS) such as mola in small
quantities in major carp based production systems and also number and
varieties of species used in poly culture system. Recently two genetically
improved strains of rohu (Jayanthi Rohu) and Amur common carp are
finding place in carp polyculture system.
Select fish species that are compatible to each other and do not compete
for space and food in the pond ecosystem and carps meet most of the
requirements as good species for aquaculture
Manipulation of species combination and ratio to avoid competition for
food and space at different trophic level will help in efficient utilization of
pond food resources.

Suggested species
Carps meet the most of the criteria of suitable aquaculture species and
hence carps are the most commonly grown species across all forms of
farming systems using Indian major carps(IMC) are major species, either
alone or in combination with exotic carps and a few selected locally
available indigenous species for efficiently utilizing available food resources
in the pond. A proportion of 30-40% surface feeders, 30-35 % column
feeders and 30-40% bottom feeders is the ideal combination for rational
utilization of pond food resources. A few different combinations are
suggested below and the farmer can decide the combination according
to their choice based on the pond productivity, seed availability and
managerial capacity.

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Species (Scientific Common English Vernacular Feeding Zone Feeding Habit

name) Name Name (if
any to be
added)
Major species

Catla catla Catla Pond Surface Zooplankton Feeder

Latest- Labeo catla Area
Labeo rohita Rohu Pond Column Decayed vegetation,
Zone periphyton and
diatoms
Cirrhinus mrigala Mrigal Bottom Zone Diatoms(Unicellular
or colonial eukaryotic
alga characterized by
symmetrical body-also
called red algae) and
algae; semi decayed
vegetable matter
(Hypophthalmichthys Silver carp Surface Area Phytoplankton
molotrix)
Ctenopharyngodon Grass carp Surface, Herbivorous-aquatic
idella) Column and and terrestrial plants
Marginal
areas
Cyprinus carpio Common carp Bottom zone Omnivorous

Labeo gonius Silver barb?? Detritus(Detritus food

chain is the type of
food chain that starts
with dead organic
materials. The dead
organic substances
are decomposed by
microorganisms.) and
plankton
Cyprinus carpio Vr Amur common Bottom zone Omnivore & accepts
carp (Genetically external feed
improved variety)

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Additional species/varieties that can be used based on the need or specific

requirements/demand based
Labeo rohita Jayanthi Rohu Column zone Detritus feeder and
(Genetically plankton
improved species)
Cyprinus carpio Amur common Bottom zone Omnivore
carp (Genetically
improved species)
Amblypharyngodon Mola Column/ Plankton Feeder
mola Bottom
Labeo gonionatus Gonionatus Column Detritus & Plankton
Feeder

Table 10: Suggested species and their feeding zones

Catla (Catla catla) Rohu (Labeo rohita)

Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio) Amur Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Silver Carp (Hypoptholmichthys molitrix) Jayanthi Rohu (Labeo rohita)

Fish species

Combination and stocking ratio options

Catla,
Surface feeder
Rohu,
Mrigal, Column feeder
Bottom feeder Grass Carp,
Aquatic grass feeder
Silver Carp, Common Carp,
Surface feeder Bottom feeder

Feeding zones of different species

Species Species Stocking Remarks

Combination Ratio
2 Species Catla and Rohu 50 :50 They can utilize both phyto and zoo
plankton efficiently
3 Species (Only IMC) Catla, Rohu and 30 :40: 30 This is the best combination for
Mrigal efficient utilization food resources in
the pond
3 Species (Only Silver Carp [Link] In this combination there is no species
Exotic Carps) Grass Carp and that can utilize zooplankton
Common Carp

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4 Species Catla, Rohu, [Link] Use of bottom feeders need based

Mrigal and
Common Carp
6 species Catla, Rohu, 30: 40: 10: 5: Grass carp will be a good choice if
(Most recommended Mrigal, Silver 10:5 aquatic plants are present in the pond
subject to Carp, Common as it can control excessive growth of
availability of seed Carp and Grass aquatic plants in the pond
of all the species and Carp
feed for grass carp)

Species like Jayanthi Rohu, Amur common carp, mola can also be included by replacing/reducing the
proportion of species having similar feeding habit and have good consumer demand. Ex. Ex. Jayanthi
Rohu and Amur common carp can be used along with normal strains at 50%. Mola can be used in small
quanutites-5% along with major carps

Table 11: Different species combination and ratio

3.3. Transportation of fish seed

Transport of fingerling is a critical aspect for the survival of fish to be
stocked. Fingerlings require proper care during transportation to minimize
transportation loss. If fish are roughly handled, they will lose their scales
and/or mucus covering their body. Their organs also will be injured. These
wounds can easily be infected and will cause slower growth, retardation,
or later, even death. Finding good quality fingerlings, transporting and
proper stocking procedures are necessary for ensuring good production.
The farmer and hatchery/nursery operator must make all materials and
equipment readily available on site prior to transportation.

3.3.1 Preparations for transportation:

Proper preparations are required for transportation both at the packing
place (hatcheries/seed rearing farms) and receiving place (fish ponds
to be stocked) and these apply for both short distance and long distance
transportation.

Before packing: Assess current condition of fish. If fish are already stressed
before, Transportation might be lethal. Visual inspection of fish a few days
prior to transport to decide if they are fit for transport --> fish behaviour,
presence of dead fish, condition of fins and body.

The preparation at packing place:

• Stop feeding fingerlings 24 -48 hours prior to transportation
• Keep all the materials required ready for packing - Oxygen cylinder,
packing bags/containers and other accessories
• Collect the fingerlings from the pond during cool hours (very early

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 Farmer’s Handbook

morning or late evening) condition them either in hapas or small

cement tanks With clear well aerated water free of plankton
• Condition the fingerlings minimum of two hours before packing
to minimize the metabolic rate and oxygen consumption during
transportation
• Observe the seed and remove any dead fish and week ones
• Pack during cool hours (very early morning or late evening)
• Count the fingerlings using pre measured scoops 3 or 4 and take the
average numbers/weight per scoop and this will be base for calculating
number or weight of the fingerling for packing purpose

3.3.2 Methods of transportation

Transport carriers are of two types:
(1) Open system comprising open carriers, with or without artificial
aeration/oxygenation/water circulation and
(2) Closed system having sealed airtight carriers with oxygen.

[Link] Open system:

Fish is transported in open container fitted in a vehicle and provided with
equipment for continuous oxygen supply during transport and normally
used for short distance that can be covered in few hours and when large
quantities of seed are to be transported.
Sanitize the vehicle/container & the materials used for transporting using
KMnO4.
Normally syntax tanks of 1000 L capacity are used for large sized fingerlings
transportation
In this tank 1000-1500 fish of large fingerlings (50-100g) are transported for
12-18hr duration.

on foot with Vehicle

Open system of fish seed transportation

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Partial sedation is preferred to avoid jumping and stress during

transportation-MS222 5ppm Sodium amatol 50-100 ppm.
Cover the top of the vehicle/container to avoid fish jumping out
During long travel, exchange water partially for every 200km is desired.

[Link] Closed system:

In this system fingerlings are transported in polythene bags filled with
water & pure oxygen made leak proof (either sealed or using rubber band
& tied) & put in a container (Packing boxes with Xylofoam insulation) to
insulate from heat during transport & used mainly for transporting to long
distances.
This method is safe for transporting fingerlings up to 24 hours in healthy
condition with no or minimal death (< 5%).
Polythene Bags of size used 65-75 cm L X 40-50cm holding 16-18 Ltr. water
are used Temperature of water should be dropped gradually (1,5°C/h) to
reduce fish swimming speed.
Bags are filled with 1/3 of water and remaining 2/3 space is filled with
medical oxygen with sufficient space for sealing the bag.
Counting is done cups with perforation or Tea strainers and the capacity of
cups is done by manual counts.
The number of fingerlings (range /bag is given below and the actual
number is to be determined based on the duration of transport.
Suggested quantities of different sized fish that can be transported in sealed
plastic bags (16-18 Ltr capacity) with approximately 5-6 litres of water and
pure oxygen given below.

Size of the fish Number per bag Transport duration

8-15 mm 1000-15000 Up to 24 hours and the number
packed is determined by the size
15-25mm 300- 500 distance and also the number of
25-50mm 250-400 travel hours

50-100mm 100-250

Table 12: Suggested Density of Fish seed per bag based on fish length

Seedling weight in grams Number per bag Transport duration

1-5 2000 12 hours
1-5 1000 24 hours
5-30 500 12 hours
30-60 20-30 8 hours
60-100 8-10 8 hours

Table 13: Suggested density of fingerlings based on weight

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1 2 3 4

Fish seed packaging for closed system transportation

3.3.3 Timing of transport

Best time for transportation during early morning or late evening hours
for transportation around 5-6 hours. If it is more than 6 hours evening and
night hours are most desirable timings.

3.4 Release of fish seed

Upon arrival at their new home, adjust fish to their new surroundings:
Make sure pond is ready with good quality water and sufficient plankton for
stocking fingerlings by checking water quality and corrections if required
Lower the closed polythene bags floating in the water to get acclimatized to
new pond water temperature.
When the temperature difference between the pond water and water inside
(1-2 oC difference), Open the bags to make a ring, add cup by cup of water
pond to the bag to fill up to 50%.
Observe for their movement/activeness.
Remove if any fish dead or inactive or weak.
Count the number of fingerlings before releasing using pre measured
scoops.
Disinfect the seed by dipping in KMnO4 solution 5ppm (light pink coloured
water).
It is done by pouring the fingerlings to a hand net (strainer net) and dip the
hand net in the Tub/bucket with disinfection solution for about 2 minutes.
Slowly allow the fish to move out to the pond.
Best time releasing fish in to ponds is cool hours (early morning or late
evening hours).

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Releasing fish in hapa net

3.5 On stocking economics

Recurring or Component Units Cost per unit* Cost
operating costs
A. Pond
Preparation Cost
Liming Agriculture Lime 100 kg Rs. 7.00/kg Rs. 700.00
Ag lime application cost 1 X 1 hour Rs. 200.00/hour Rs. 200.00
time
Pumping Cost 5 Hp pumping cost to fill the 716 units Rs. 3.00 Rs. 2,148.00
pond (8 days’ time)
Manuring Manure purchase cost 1200 Kg Rs. 5.00/kg Rs. 6,000.00
Manure application cost 2 X 2 Hours Rs. 200.00/hour Rs. 800.00
A Total Rs. 9,848.00

Recurring or Component Units Cost per unit* Cost

operating costs
B. Seed stocking Seed purchase cost 1500 fish Rs. 2.00 Rs. 3,000.00
cost
Seed transportation cost 1 vehicle Rs. 3000.00 Rs. 3,000.00

Seed stocking cost 2 vehicle Rs. 300.00 Rs. 600.00

(Resources)
Farmer’s work-hours cost 6 hours Rs. 200.00/hour Rs. 1,200.00
B. Sum of all expenses incurred for the stocking of fish seed in the pond Rs. 7,800.00

On-Stocking recurring expenses total (A + B) = Rs. 9,848.00 + Rs. 7,800.00 = Rs. 17,648.00

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Risk Factors:
• Sourcing the fish seed from unreliable source (lack of information on
breed) and poor quality may result in low survival and poor growth

• Presence of wild fish (predatory and weed fishes) specially in non-

drainable pond specially if water directly (unscreened) received from
natural sources(River/canal)

• Wrong identification of species. Identification of species at spawn level

is almost impossible

• Sourcing fish seed from mixed breeding –purity of species is in question

• Using fish seed with high mortality during transportation (long

transportation) – weak and easily susceptible for diseases and may not
tolerate fluctuation in pond environment

• Improper acclimatization/conditioning and not treating fish seeds before

stocking. The infectious disease incidence was 12% in farms that treated
the fish seeds before stocking; while it was 45.33% in other farms

• Stocking fishes more than recommended (over stocking), improper

species combination and size of fish at stocking (poor quality) may serve
as putative factor infectious diseases

FAQs
• How to decide the best fish species for aquaculture?
• How many fish can be put in to a pond of one-acre water area?
• What is the best species combination to be stocked in to
aquaculture pond to get maximum production?
• How to transport baby fish(fingerlings) from nursery to pond
location?
• What is the most suitable culture system for efficient utilization of
resources?
• How do you check whether the pond is ready to receive baby fish?
• What are the precautions to be taken before releasing baby fish in
to fish pond?

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Chapter

4.0 Post stocking

Post stocking 4
Post stocking includes the activities to be undertaken from stocking of
fingerlings up to the final harvesting of fish from the pond. The activities

Well managed pond

Not managed pond

Well managed and not managed pond

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are pond hygiene, water quality monitoring & management, manuring and/
or feeding, growth and health monitoring & management, and harvesting
at right time are the key steps of post stocking management.

4.1 Water quality management

A pond with “good” water quality will produce more and healthier fish than
a pond with “poor” water quality. How to define “good” water quality for fish
culture is highlighted below .

4.1.1 Physical parameters

Parameter Suitable Range/ Remarks
Conditions
Water depth 1.5 m This depth will help to grow healthy fish as sun light will
penetrate and help in plankton production
Shallow pond less than 1.5 m will get heated up during
summer resulting in algal blooms and reduce the oxygen level
causing fish death.
Deeper pods >2.5m will reduce plankton production and
productivity. Also increase water requirement and cost of
production
Water 26 to 32°C For good growth and health of fish. This temperature will help
Temperature in better food consumption and good growth and keep the fish
active and healthy).
In case of high temperature use shower, use orchid net, use
water hyacinth or replenish with fresh water

Watercolor Light green Indicates a good mixture of phyto plankton and zooplankton
brown Dark green- indicates algal blooms not good for production
Dark brown indicate excess organic matter –not desirable
Water 30 cm from Indicates good productivity –measure of alkalinity
Transparency surface High transparency indicates low alkalinity

Light Keep the Facilitate good photosynthesis stimulating good plankton

surroundings production
clear of trees
for light
penetration to
pond
Odour No fouling Any fouling smell indicates deterioration of water quality.
smell from the Reasons for this may be due to accumulation of organic
pond matter, fall of leaves etc,. In such cases periodic removal
of leaves, dead fish and removal of left over feed should be
attended immediately

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Clear water Cloudy water

Measuring transperency using hand

4.1.2 Biological parameters

Maintaining good plankton density of phytoplankton and zooplankton
is essential for good growth of Fish. Plankton type and density is to be
checked once in two weeks to decide the manuring schedule. This can be
done by using plankton net made of bolting silk cloth of 60-micron mesh
(readily available in market) by filtering known quantity of water (50 ltr.
using buckets with measurements).

Plankton collection using plankton net

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If it is equivalent to at least 3 ml/100 I water, there is enough zooplankton

available to feed your fish. If you have sampled, for example 50 l of water,
you should then have a settled volume of at least 1.5 ml.
Optimum plankton density for good growth should be 4-5 ml of plankton
/100ltr of water filtered & contain zooplankton @ 5-6 zooplankton/ml.
Traditionally, Sechi disc reading of 30 cm(transparency) is considered as
indicator of required plankton in the pond. If the plankton density is not in
the range the growth of the fish will reduce. If plankton density not good,
then go for additional manuring.
Prevent excess growth of aquatic weeds specially floating aquatic weeds.
Excess growth will form a mat preventing penetration of sunlight &
affecting plankton production. Roots of these plants will harbor harmful
insects
Remove snails or other animals attached to inner side of the pond by
scraping or using net. Snails may act as hosts for pathogens.

4.1.3 Chemical parameters

The most important chemical parameters determining the water quality are
Dissolved Oxygen(DO). pH, Alkalinity and Ammonia. The farmers should
check for DO in the morning and for pH in the afternoon to get the critical
levels and accordingly take corrective measures. DO and pH should be
checked twice a day. The diurnal fluctuations, optimum ranges, upper and
lower critical level and their effects are summarized in the table below.

Parameter Optimum range Effects

pH 7.5-8.5 < 4 lethal

Increases during (3 is critical) 4- 7.5- slow growth
daylight; decreases 7.5-8.5- desirable range
at night due to 8.5- 10 slow growth
respiration and > 11 alkaline death point
increasing carbon Low pH results more mucus and body becomes soft and
dioxide levels rough in high pH
Dissolved 4-6 ppm 2.4 and below Lethal-fish kills
oxygen(DO) (not less than 3.0-4.0 causes suffocation and slow growth rate
Minimum before sun 3ppm) 4.0-6.0 desirable range
rise and increases
>8 super saturation-creates dropsy
during mid-day and
reduces by evening
Alkalinity 80-200 Low alkalinity(<20ppm) more fluctuation and this
Alaklinity and pH (critical 25ppm) creates stress in fish.
are inter- related. Exposure of fish to high alkaline conditions inhibits
Low alkalinity more
the rate of ammonia excretion, leading to ammonia
fluctuation in pH
accumulation and toxicity.
Ammonia <0.2 ppm Any higher level is lethal to fish

Table 14: Suggested density of fingerlings based on weight

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Optimum levels of chemical parameters

Optimum and critical levels of pH in fish pond

Optimum and critical levels of dissolved oxygen (ppm) in fish pond

Optimum and critical levels of alkalinity in fish pond

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4.2 Liming
Application of agricultural limestone and/or dolomite to improve pH and
alkalinity in aquaculture ponds is a widely used practice. However, there
is considerable use of lime in aquaculture to disinfect pond bottoms and
water, to attempt to control pH and various other reasons.

4.2.1 Types of limes used

Normally agriculture lime and dolomite are used during post stocking
operations. Dolomite is better as it stabilises the pH of water.

4.2.2 Liming dosage and mode of application

Liming is practiced during post stocking management for maintaining
desired pH level. In case of low pH add lime @ 50-100 Kg/ha once in two
weeks until stabilises.
pH should be measured in the afternoon to know the actual pH of the water
and take corrective measures.
In case of low alkalinity (high transparent water) and hardness use lime and
dolomite. Add lime and dolomite @ lime 20 kg and dolomite 40 kg per week
until the alkalinity reaches around 80 ppm above and become stable.

As a preventive measures of low alkalinity use salt @ 100kg and lime 50 kg

/ha per month at the starting of winter and continue to end of winter to
maintain good water quality during winter.
Lime is spread across the pond and take precaution measures mentioned
under pond preparation chapter.

4.3 Manuring
Manuring during post stocking operation is done to maintain sustained
production of zooplankton during the entire culture period.
General guidelines.
During pond preparation only 25-30% of the recommended dose is used
(see pond preparation).
The balance is to be used in equal monthly instalments for the rest of
the culture period to maintain continuous plankton production as a post
stocking management practice.
The balance is to be used in equal monthly instalments for the rest of

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the culture period to maintain continuous plankton production as a post

stocking management practice.
Example is illustrated in tabular form for recommended manuring of cattle
dung @10,000kg/ha/year for a crop of 10-11 months.

Recommended Initial Monthly dosage of manuring kg/month

dosage(Total)kg/ha/ dose@25-30%
year Kg/ha
10,000 2500-3000 700-750

High transparency (> 30 cm) indicates low productivity (low alkalinity <20
ppm)) and requires one additional dose of manuring.
Apply manure in the corners of pond in heaps for slow mixing and release
of nutrients for phytoplankton.
Apply organic fertilizers regularly, avoiding overloading the pond with
several weeks’ supply. Check the water quality to control the quantities used.

Note: wastes such as rice hulls, sugar-cane stalks and sawdust are rich in
cellulose.

4.4 Feed management

To survive, grow and reproduce, fish need to feed on organic materials such
as plants, other animals, or prepared feeds containing plant and/or animal
material. It is therefore most important for you to ensure that your fish get
the food they require, both in quality and in quantity.
The highest recurring cost in aquaculture is that of feed. Feed alone
accounts for about 60-80 percent of operational costs in intensive
aquaculture, while feed and fertilizers represent about 30-60 percent of
the total cost of aquaculture production in semi-intensive aquaculture
system. Carps in addition to consuming natural food also require l
supplementary feed to meet extra energy required for somatic growth.
Supplementary feed is given to meet additional requirement of energy
and thereby increase their growth. More often than not, cultured fish are
often overfed because of farmers’ perception that more feed will result in
increased production without looking at its proper utilization. Better feed
management can reduce the feed cost to the extent of 15-20 percent. Hence,
feed management both of natural food and supplementary(external) feed
assumes significance in post stock management of carp ponds.

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4.4.1 Natural food

Phytoplankton & Zooplankton form the main food for carps. Continued
production of plankton is required for good growth, survival & health of fish.
Plankton density need to be assessed once in two weeks either by water
colour or more precisely by collecting plankton using net
Check on quantity by filtering through your plankton net a known volume
of pond water taken at several sampling points throughout the pond.
Example
• Use a 10-l bucket for and, take five water samples to obtain a total volume
of 50 liters
• Filter them through plankton net made of bolting silk cloth with a mesh
size of 65 microns to concentrate the phyto and zooplankton within its
bottom container
• Transfer this zooplankton into a graduated glass tube
• Kill the Plankton by adding a pinch of table salt or a few drops of
formalin
• Let them settle for about one hour at the bottom of the tube
• Measure the settled volume of zooplankton
• If it is equivalent to at least 3 ml/100 I water, there is enough plankton
available to feed your fish
• If you have sampled, for example 50 l of water, you should then have a
settled volume of at least 1.5 ml
Accordingly, manure is to applied as explained under manuring to sustain
plankton production throughout the growing period.
If grass carp is used as a component in culture, provision for providing its
natural food (Floating aquatic plants- Lemna, Azolla or grass like Napier)
should be made.

Phytoplankton Zooplankton

Corepod Rotifer Cladoceron

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Lemna Azolla Napier grass

Natural food

4.4.2 Supplementary feeding

In pond polyculture, the role of natural fish food is outstanding because it
is the source of protein in the diet of fish which otherwise would only be
supplied by expensive animal or plant protein meal. As the name indicates,
feeding in pond fish culture is practiced mainly as a supplement to the
natural fish food. Natural fish food organisms are rich in proteins but poor
in carbohydrate. Widely applied supplementary feeds are the different
cereals. They are relatively poor in protein but rich in energy. More protein-
rich feeds, together with cereals, are also used to supplement the natural
fish food when the standing stock of fish increases by the end of the
production season.

In semi intensive culture with manuring a good portion (50%) of protein

and other nutrients will be met by plankton and needs to supplemented
with carbohydrate rich feed containing protein around 24% crude protein.
Types of supplementary feeds
Supplementary feed are three types:
Conventional feed
Farm made feed
Commercial feeds

Conventional feed: A mixture of oil cake and rice bran in equal quantity to
meet a protein requirement of 24-26%. Conventional feed meets the protein
and energy requirement of grow out fish but lack in vitamins and minerals.
Oil cake is soaked for few hours and mixed with dry rice polish, cooked and
fed in dough farm.

Farm made feed:

Farm made food can be prepared using ingredients like Oil cake, rice bran,
Fish meal/ soybean, pulses and to make it a balanced diet. This can be
prepared by farmers.

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Ingredient % composition Feed preparation method

Oil cake(GNC or Mustard oil cake) 25 All the ingredients are mixed and
powdered. Mix with in water and
Rice bran 25 cook for about 20 min and make in to
Fish meal 10 dough/balls

Pulses(Horse gram, black gram) 20

Maize 10
Broken rice 10

Table 15: Feed ingredient and their proportions for preparing farm made feed

Complete feeds
In Semi intensive farming where is ponds are fertilized, a good portion of
protein requirement is met from natural food but needs to be supplemented
with energy, vitamins and minerals to make it a complete diet. Commercial
feeds are complete diets containing all the requirements of fish. A number
of commercial fish feeds (floating and sinking) are available in the market
and these can also be used based on the availability, quality, accessibility
and affordability of the farmer.
Commercial feeds are quite expensive (around Rs50-55/Kg) compared to
farm made or conventional feed (Rs30-35/ kg)

4.4.3 Feeding rate, methods, feeding frequency

& schedule
The amount of feed given to carp depends upon several factors such as
species, size, biomass (spawn, fry, fingerling, adult/brood), natural food
present in pond, water quality parameters etc. To reduce feed wastage,
feeding should be monitored regularly otherwise it will lead towards
deterioration of water quality, which in turn causes stress, disease and/
or mortality in fish. The proper feeding schedule should be followed
throughout the carp culture.

Feeding quantity is to be regulated based on the fish biomass in the pond.

This needs to be assessed preferably once in two weeks by sample netting
and weighing the fish.
Feed required = Estimated fish biomass in pond x feeding rate %, where
biomass is, average body weight of fish x total number stocked x expected
survival.
In grow out pond survival usually reduces to 80%. Hence a survival of 70-
80% can be considered for estimating fish biomass.
Fish require more feeding in the initial stages as the growth rate is faster
and as they feeding consumption reduces and we need to give less feed.

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Supplementary feed is recommended @3-5 % of the fish biomass for initial

2 months and gradually reduced to 2, and 1.5% at the end of the growing
period.
In addition to biomass, water temperature and weather conditions also be
looked and accordingly adjust the feeding rate.
If it is too cloudy avoid feeding and in the winter months reduce the feed
because of low metabolic activity due to low temperature.
To avoid wastage of feed and reduce the feed cost, feed consumption should
be monitored.

Feeding methods

Direct pond feeding should be avoided as we will not be able to assess the
consumption of feed by fish and unconsumed and gets accumulated in the
pond bottom. Continued accumulation of feed at the pond bottom may lead
to increase in the organic load resulting in water quality deterioration and
affect the fish growth and health also.

Different feeding methods like tray feeding and bag feeding are suggested
In Tray feeding the feed is kept in the tray and the tray is hanged inside
pond 1-2 ft below the water level and observed one hour after feeding to see
the quantity consumed and accordingly feeding quantity.
Bag feeding with perforated bag is a better practice as fish will find more
time to feed and wastage will be minimum.
About 20- 30 bags are kept per hectare tied over the pond using rope from
one end to other end of the pond.
The bags will be checked and refilled once in two or days depending on feed
consumption.
Feed may be given once (in the morning hours) or twice (morning and
evening) in a day based on the consumption by fish – This is done in tray
feeding.
Avoid very late evening feeding.

Feeding frequency
Increasing the frequency of supplementary feeding has several advantages
• Reducing food wastage
• Reducing dissolved oxygen consumption and improving water quality
• Reducing nutrient losses attributable to leaching, thereby improving
food quality
• Improving uniformity of fish sizes, giving more possibility for the less
aggressive fish to feed
• improving fish growth and feed utilization

Before deciding on how frequently you should feed your fish, note the
following points.

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The smaller the fish, the more frequently they should be fed.
Dry feeds need to be distributed more often than moist feeds.
The feeding frequency should be reduced as the water temperature cools
down, or if it exceeds optimum levels.
The frequency should be adapted to the fish species. For carps feeding twice
in day-once in the morning(9am) and once in the late afternoons(4pm) is
better. Avoid late evening feeding.
The feeding cost should be checked to make sure it is not excessive
compared to the yields obtained.

4.5 Diseases
Occurrence of diseases in carp farming is very scarce specially so in case
of extensive and semi intensive culture systems. There are no reported
incidences of fish diseases causing heavy economic loss. Diseases are often
seen only in very high intensive culture systems but there are no reported
high losses due to diseases. Estimated loss of fish production (as percentage
of total production) and total economic loss (in INR) were estimated to be in
the range of 5- 10% (14,900.00- per ha to 30,770.0 per ha).

Unlike Land animals it is difficult to isolate and treat infected fish in a pond
hence entire water body is to be treated which may not only be effective
but also not economical. prevention of occurrence and further spread of
diseases through good biosecurity, pond preparation Good water quality
and feed management practices are the key for successful aquaculture.

4.5.1 Causes
There are several causes of disease that may affect the fish directly or
may continue to cause disease problems. Basically, any factor which
causes stress or difficulty to the fish decreases its resistance to disease and
increases the chance of disease problems occurring.
Some of the causes for disease are:
Fish seed with low genetic immunity.
Under feeding leading to malnutrition resulting in growth retardation and
low resistance to diseases.
Deteriorated water and sediment conditions favouring fast spread of
pathogens.
Overcrowding pond with very high stocking density causing physical
injuries leading to secondary infection.
External source through Infected fish seed, equipment, feed, birds and such
other sources.
Incidences of occurrence of parasitic infestations in freshwater aquaculture

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are maximum (46%), followed by loss due to alternation in water quality

parameters (24%) leading to production loss. Infection of fish with bacterial
pathogens are in the range of 22% and in only 8% cases the mortality are
due to other factors.

8%

Parasitic infestation

22% Alternation in water

46% quality

Bacterial disease

24%
Other factors

Different causative factors responsible for mortality & production loss in freshwater aquaculture

4.5.2 Types of diseases

Common diseases, causative agent, symptoms and control measures in
carps

Name of the Causative Symptoms Stages of Treatment/

disease Agent Infection Management
Protocols

Infectious diseases
Ichthyophthiria- Protozoa White nodular Fingerlings Daily bath treatments
sis (Ichthypthiriasis spots on skin, and adults in 2-3%salt solution
(Itching disease) multifilis) gills, fins and for one hour for 7
restlessness days or 0.15 ppm of
malachite green for
pond treatment
Trchodiniasis Trichodina Attached to Gills All stages Improve water quality
and bath treatment
Costiasis Parasites of Bluish –white All stages Bath treatment with
Genus Costia shade on the body 2-3% NaCl or 50mg/
litre of KMn)4 or pond
treatment with 5mg/ltr
of KMnO4

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Whitespot Myxobolus White creamish All stages, Only prophylactic

Disease Species cysts on gill more in measures. Segregation
fingerlings of infected fish and
disinfection of pond
after drying
Dactylogyrosis & Helminth Gills and body get All stages Bath treatment 25mg/l
Gyrodactylosis faded of formalin with
3-5%NaCl for 15 min
or pond treatment
with 5mg/ltr of KMnO4

Block Spot Larvae of Block spots on the Adults Removal of intermedi-

Diseases Diplostomum sp. body ate(mollusks) and final
hosts(birds)

Crustacean diseases(External parasite)

Fish lice Argulus sp Ulcers on the Adults Bath treatment with

body and visible 25mg/l of formalin
movement of the 3-5%NaCl for 15 min
parasite or 100ppm KMnO4
pond treatment with
5mg/ltr of KMnO4 for
5-10 seconds or Pond
treatment with 5mg/ltr
of KMnO4 & removal
of parasites
Lernaeosis Lernaea sp. External Adult stage Bath treatment with
attachment to body 25mg/l of formalin or
2-3%NaCl for 15 min
or 100ppm KMnO4
pond treatment with
5mg/ltr of KMnO4
Non infectious diseases

Gill disease Water born Respiration All stages No specific treatment.

irritants, low problems improve the water
oxygen level quality

Algal toxicosis Algal blooms Surfacing of All stages Sprinkling of cow

fish with erratic dung @200kg/ha over
movement surface and covering
to reduce sunlight
intensity
Nutritional diseases/disorders

Starvation Complete Enlarged head and All stages Provide nutritionally

deprivation slender body and balanced diet
of feed/ not retarded growth
acceptance of
feed
Scoliosis Irregular Spinal deformity Removal of deformed
development of individuals
skeleton

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Among all fish parasitic infestations, disease with Argulous is most

common (29%), followed by infestation with Dactylogyrous (25%) and
Myxobolous (9%) (Figure below). However, no incidences of viral disease
reported in freshwater aquaculture in India, causing huge mortality. May be
that Indian Major Carps (IMCS) are not susceptible to fish viral pathogens
or the culture environment is not conducive for the viral pathogens to
multiply and cause disease.

Different fish diseases and their contribution

Lernea Argulus Tapeworm

Disease causing parasites

Deformed fish

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Costia, Bluish Sheen

Over body
Fin Haemorrhaging
Cloudy Eyes,
Eyes Bulge Body Flukes
Lymphocystis
Eye Fluke
Fungus

Hole in the
Head Fin/ Tail Rot

Mouth Fungus
Velvet
(oodinium)
Gill Flukes, Fish Lice Gold- Grey
Inflamed Gills Spots
Anchor
Worm Ulcers or Open
White Spot
Wounds Intestinal Worms
Dropsy,
(pineapple scales)

Disease infected fish

4.5.3 Management of diseases

Treating a diseased fish is difficult when compared to land animals, as
individual treatment is difficult/ not possible in aquaculture there by
requiring mass treatment of the entire mass or the pond itself.
Prevention, therefore, is always the best approach in aquaculture to control
the disease outbreak than treating the disease.
• Control wild fish by using filters and screens and regularly eradicate
them from canals and ponds.
• Disinfect all fish stocks imported from outside as eggs, juveniles or
adults

Management practices like good pond preparation practices, optimum

stocking density, water quality monitoring, proper feeding and periodic
liming are some of the key factors to avoid occurrence of diseases in fish
Prophylactic measures specially during winter months like maintaining
proper water depth, avoiding over feeding will help in managing of fish
health.
In case of sudden death in fish, dead fishes should be removed from pond
and check for oxygen level in the early morning hours (sun rise time – the

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DO level will be minimum and critical) and send the dead fish and pond
water for analysis for any possible hazardous chemicals/ poison in the
water and detection of causes for fish kills.

4.5.4 Management of pond hygiene

Maintain required water depth all through the growing period.
Clear excess growth of aquatic weeds & plants on the margins (inside pond).
Stop feeding during excessive rainfall and heavy winter time.
Clear algal blooms (brown algae) when starts appearing to avoid further
spread and creating mat/bloom.
Clear branches of big trees that covering the pond to avoid drooping of
leaves in to the pond.

4.6 Sampling
Sample netting of pond at regular intervals will help in assessing growth
and health of fish and also in regulating feeding quantity. Cast net is one of
the easiest ways to take a sample. However, for larger ponds a seine net can
be used to sample a corner of the pond.
A fish sample should be at least 15 fish. If 1 cast is not enough to catch this
number of fish cast again until enough fish are caught. If more than 15 fish
are caught, don’t throw the extra fish back. Collect all the fish caught, weigh
them, & count them & record the information in the pond record book
Sampling at two weeks’ interval is preferred. Once in a month is a must
During sampling take out all unwanted weed fishes/predatory fishes if
found entry unintentionally.
Steps to be taken while sampling of fish
• Don’t feed fish previous day to sampling
• Keep fish in water at all times or as much as possible in wet condition
whilehandling fish
• Wear gloves when handling fish
• While sampling, check their general body condition for activeness, any
external injuries, disease, deformations, discolorations etc
• Measure fish both for weight(g/kg) and length(cm). Measuring weight of
the fish at sampling is very important.
• Note the results in record book for monitoring system
• After sampling disinfect the fish by dipping in them in 5ppm KMnO4
solution followed by 2% salt solution before releasing back to pond

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4.7 Harvest
The decision to harvest the fish from a pond is made for two main reasons:
A. The fish has attained the right size at which it gives maximum profit in
the market and any further waiting may reduce the profit.
B. When the prevailing market opportunities offer the highest profit and the
opportunity may be lost with delay.
In order for the farmer to decide that the fish has attained optimum size for
harvest, the farmer must conduct regular sampling and weighing the fish
and recording the data. If The data shows that the monthly increase in fish
weigh rises until it attains marketable size. After attaining marketable size,
it is advisable to harvest the fish.

4.7.1 General comments

Stop feeding before 2 days before harvest.
Early morning or late evening hours are the best time for harvesting. If
the fish is to be transported for long distance evening harvest is the best
time as fish can be transported in the night cool hours. For long term
transportation, fish must be washed/dipped in water put in a container with
ice packing.
Harvesting using big meshed size (> 2 inches) drag net is better to avoid
smaller fish getting caught. The net is dragged from one end to other end
manually.
Other option - if there is a workforce scarcity, cast net can also be used for
sampling fish. Cast net can be operated in different parts of the pond to get
required number for sampling. This can be operated by one person.

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4.7.2 Types of Harvest

There are 2 type of harvest One is partial and other is complete harvesting.
In addition, multiple harvesting multiple stocking and also can be practiced
in perennial ponds to make fish available throughout the year but this
demands availability of seed around the year.

Partial harvesting:
Partial harvesting can be done 4-5 months after stocking and fish of
marketing size, around 750 g (varies from place to place) and allowing the
smaller fish to grow fast.
Partial harvesting can be done using drag net of bigger mesh size (> 2
inches) to avoid small fish getting caught. The number harvested may
replenished with equal number of fresh from the rearing pond if available.
Complete harvesting:
Full harvesting may be done once all the fish attain marketable size (8-10
months after stocking). depending on the market demand
It is preferable to harvest completely during summer months (April-may)
by repeated netting and dewatering the pond. Dewatering will also enable
preparing the pond for the next crop.
Completing harvesting during summer months will also help in avoiding
risk of flooding and fish loss during monsoon months.

Post stocking economics:

Recurring or Component Units Cost per unit* Cost

operating costs
C. Water quality Water quality test kits 1 (100 tests each) Rs. 3500.00 Rs. 3500.00
assessment kit (pH, Ammonia, Nitrite,
cost nitrate, alkalinity)
D. Periodic Ag lime purchase cost 20 kg X 8=160 Kg*2 Rs. 7.00/kg Rs.1120.00
Liming cost
Ag lime application cost 8 X 1 hour time Rs. 200.00/ Rs. 1600.00
hour
E. Periodic Manure purchase cost 200 kg X 16 Rs. 5.00/kg*3 Rs. 16,000.00
manuring cost applications =3200
kg*3
Manure application cost 16 applications Rs. 200.00/ Rs. 3200.00
hour
F. DORB purchase cost 480 Kg (32% of Rs. 14.00/kg Rs. 6720.00
Supplementary target biomass)
feed cost*4
Oil cakes purchase cost 120 Kg (8% of Rs. 35.00 /kg Rs. 4200.00
target biomass)
Used bags cost 25 Rs. 10.00/bag Rs. 250.00

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Feed application cost 60days*5 Rs. 200.00/ Rs. 12,000.00

hour
G. Sampling Monthly sampling cost 8 times Rs. 500.00/ Rs. 4000.00
cost hour
H. Expert Consultation cost 4 times Rs. 1500.00/ Rs. 6,000.00
advice &/or lab visit
assessment cost
I. Harvesting harvesting gear rental 1 seine net Rs. 1500.00/ Rs. 1500.00
cost Day
Harvesting workforce 7 people Rs. 600.00/ Rs. 4200.00
half day
J. Value for Work-hours spent by @ 1 hour/day X 240 Rs. 200.00/ Rs.48,000.00
farmer’s time farmer on farm days =240 hours hour
I) Total post stocking expenses (Sum of C+D+E+F+G+H+I+J) Rs. 1,12,290.00
II) Total On-Stocking expenses (A+B) Rs. 17,648.00
III) Sum of all operating expenses (A+B+C+D+E+F+G+H+I+J) Rs. 1,37,738.00
IV) Land lease Rs. 15,000.00
V) Sum of all investments made for the complete culture cycle Rs. 1,52,738.00
VI) Harvested @ 1kg body weight with 1500 X1 Kg= 1500 Rs. 120/ Kg Rs. 1,80,000.00
biomass value 100% survival estimate Kg farmgate
price
One culture cycle profit margin= (VI-V) Rs. 27,262.00

*2 This is an estimation for demonstrating the economics part based on the need of your farm, application
necessity and dosage needs to be decided. Estimated at the rate of 20 kg / Acre / month and an estimate of 8
months of culture period.
*3 Application volume, number of applications and unit price are indicative, considered for the purpose of
calculation, actual manuring dose needs to be decided as per the individual pond requirement and price of the
manure also needs to be amended as per your local cost.
*4 Total supplementary feed usage volume is estimated @ 40% of the total target biomass of 1500 kg and the
DORB and Oil cake ratios are 80% and 20% respectively.
*5 While calculating the supplemental feed application cost, the total days of supplemental feed application
was calculated only for 60 days considering its usage extensive farming system, in case of semi-intensive
system it needs to be corrected as per the actual application days. If the productivity of the pond is good, there
might be no need to use supplementary feeds and that cost component can be deducted from the expenses.
* In the case of leased ponds, land lease needs to be considered under recuring expenses.
* Expenses like disease treatment and other incidental expenses which are case specific are not mentioned in
this estimate model, if such expenses are there, they need to be counted under recuring expenses.

4.8 Women in aquaculture

Participation of women in aquaculture is limited due to several factors right
from social taboo to lack of technical knowhow on aquaculture practices.
However, women support their menfolk in pond cleaning, pod preparation
and feeding fish. They also take part in decision making in sourcing inputs
like fish seed, feed and other inputs required for aquaculture. It is more of
a family activity in small scale aquaculture than men alone doing the job.
Women with literacy help men in keeping record books.

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Women groups are now more involved in managing aquaculture ponds

as seen in Bangladesh and Nepal. In India also women have started in
aquaculture activities as exemplified by WSHGs (Women Self-Help Groups)
being allotted GP ponds on priority in Odisha state where complete
operations are managed by women.
Women involvement in fish trade is very negligible as they are ill suited due
to security and domestic responsibilities at the same time.
Socio-cultural inhibitions in specific communities also debar women freely
take marketing activities.

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Risk Factors:
• The infectious disease incidences in farms that regularly not monitored
water quality and fish health status were very high

• Presence of wild fish will have an impact on infectious disease outbreak.

The infectious disease incidence was 41% in farms recorded the
presence of weed fishes

• Improper feed and feed management –if not done properly it may affect
growth and production

• Unhealthy pond may lead to water quality deterioration and subsequent

disease breakout

• Excessive use of commercial inputs: Commercial inputs include, feed,

growth promoters, probiotics, pond hygienic

• Algal blooms commonly noticed are Euglena (Brown/Red algae) and

Dark green bloom caused by blue green algae –microcystis (filamentous
algae)

FAQs
• What are the important steps in post stocking management?
• What are the major water quality parameters that require attention
during post stock management practices?
• How does the water quality affects growth, survival and health of
fish?
• Why should we apply lime and manure during culture period?
• What type of supplementary feed is best growth of fish?
• How do we calculate the feed quantity to be fed?
• What time is the best for feeding fish and how do we feed the fish?
• What are the common diseases of fish and how to control?
• How to control the spread of fish disease?
• What are the risks and mitigation measures?

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Annexures:

Success stories: Odisha

1. An innovative technology in carp-prawn
polyculture
Sri Nabakishore Pani of Village – Barakera, Block – Delanga has
practiced Indian major carps in his 0.75 acre pond area. He was
interested for prawn culture along with fish. He was trained about
polyculture practice in a training conducted by the fishery scientist
of KVK. During the training through feedback it was planned for
a demonstration of polyculture practice in the Barakara village of
Delang Block. In the demonstration pond instead of Mrigal freshwater
prawn was introduced. Grass carp was stocked to utilize the aquatic
vegetation of the pond. Instead of post larvae (PL) of fresh water
prawn the PL was converted to juveniles by stocking the PL in a
confined hapa within the same pond. In the hapa the PL to become
juveniles sufficient hide outs in plastic pipe put in the hapa to avoid
cannibalism. High protein pelleted commercial feed given to PL. After
PL became juveniles the hapa was opened in the same pond so that
the juveniles will come over to the main open pond.
Proper feeding management with GNOC and rice bran at equal
proportion (1:1) for fishes and pellet feed for prawn @ 5-2 % body
weight was suggested to practice. Sampling was done in every month
and the growth (gm) and length (cm) were measured. From sample
netting it was observed that the average growth rate of Catla is 0.5kg,
Rohu is 0.4kg, grass carp is 0.6kg and prawn is 40gms after 4 months
of stocking. The farmer is expecting a net profit of Rs.75,000/- from his
0.75 acre of pond area.

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2. ‘Composite Pisciculture- A Paying

Enterprise’- Sri Sadasiba Jena proves it
Introduction:
Village: Sarbapada consisting of forty farm families is located 4 km
away from Nimapara block and 25 km from KVK, Puri, Kakatpur.
The KVK has adopted this village as it is a small one. Sri Sadasiba
Jena of this village an educated farmer after his matriculation took
up agriculture as his main occupation as he could not get any job
of his own choice. He had done pisciculture in his 1 Acre of land in
traditional method. He could not get much profit out of that due to
lack of scientific knowledge on pisciculture.

Intervention/Methodology Process:
KVK intervened to conduct the FLD Programme on composite
pisciculture in his pond during 2009-10. The advanced fingerlings of
Indian major carp (Catla:Rahu:Mrigal [Link]) were released @ 10000
nos / ha during the month of August after preconditioning, Pre &
post stocking management of water quality, recommended feeding
practices, application of lime @ 200 kg/ha, use of turmeric powder
along with lime at the ratio of 1:10 for twice at 30 days interval during
the month of December and January as preventive measure for fish
health were followed as per the guidelines of KVK Scientists.

Outcome in terms of production/productivity & net income:

Sri Sadasiba Jena could harvest an yield of 42.5 q/ha against 18q/ha
in farmers practice with an %increase in yield 141% over farmers
practice within a period of 10 months with a net return of Rs. 77,000/-
over an expenditure of Rs. 25,000/ from his 1 Acre pond area.
Sri Sadasiba Jena now he becomes an example for the follow fish
grower of the locality by proving himself successful entrepreneur in
the field of pisciculture.

Outcome- Diffusion of technology in the similar area and their analysis:

During field day the said information along with the advanced
technology spread to nearby farmers of Nimapara block. The villagers
were very happy with the lucrative return from the pond. The villagers
from nearby villages like sarbapada, Jageswarpur had a close look to
this technological intervention for such profitable pisciculture.

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Expenditure Income
Item Cost
Fish fingerlings Rs. 8000/- All the ingredients are mixed
and powdered. Mix with in
Fertilizer (Cow dung + Urea + GNOC Rs. 4000/- water and cook for about 20 min
+ SSP + Lime and make in to dough/balls
Feed (GNOC + Rice bran) Rs. 12000/-
Miscellaneous Rs. 1000/-
Total Rs. 25000/-
Profit Rs. 1,02,000 – 25,000 = Rs. 77,000
B:C ratio 4.08:1

Impact:
Sri Sadasiba Jena now has become an example for the fellow fish
growers of the locality by proving himself successful entrepreneur in
the field of pisciculture. Now the composite fish farming is carried out
in an area of 25 Acres in Nimapara block.

Release of fish fingerlings in the pond Cast Netting / Sample Netting

Fish harvesting

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Success stories: Assam

1. Ranjit Hazarika
Farmer:
Mr. Ranjit Hazarika
S/O Rupeshwar Hazarika
Village Chengmora Jarani
P.O. Kalabari
Dev. block. PUB-Chaiduar, Biswanath
Contact No.: 7399993980

Aquaculture activities :
In the year 2003 Mr. Hazarika started his business in Fishery Sector
as a fish seed vendor. In the starting, Mr. Hazarika used to carry fish
seeds from Barpeta, Nogaon and Rangia and distributed the same
in Local areas. Then, he expanded his market areas and supplied
the fish seeds to the entire Biswanath district and some of areas of
Lakhimpur &Dhemaji District and as well as to Arunachal Pradesh. In
the year 2007, he established his own farm with a 0.42 ha water area.
Later on, Mr. Hazarika expanded his farm area. Now, his farm area
is more than 3.50 ha with 3 nos. of Stocking tanks (1.2 ha), 10 nos. of
rearing tanks(1.7 ha) and 4 nos. of nursery tanks (0.50 ha).At present,
he practices Integrated Fish farming system i.e. Fish cum Goatery
farming, fish cum Poultry/ducks, fish cum horticulture farming.
Moreover, he encourages local youths to involve in Fish culture. As
a result of this, today more than 20 hacter of water area ponds are
available in his village. In addition to these, to acknowledge his effort
towards fish farming and in order to produce quality fish seeds, an
eco hatchery is in construction with 60% subsidy from the Deptt. Of
Fisheries, Biswanath under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
(PMMSY), 2021-22. The physical progress of the eco hatchery is 85%
which will be operationalized in coming fish breeding season.

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 Farmer’s Handbook
Nos./ Activities Production Cost of Sale Income Remarks
Water production
area
1.2 ha Composite Fish 6000 kg 2,00,000/- @ 200.00/kg 12,00,000/-
Culture

0.04 ha Horticulture/ 8,000/- 20,000/-

vegetables

1.70 ha Fish seed (Fry) 200 kg 15,000/- @ 300/-kg 60,000/-

0.70 ha Fingerlings 2000 kg 1,00,000/- @250/-kg 5,00,000/-

10 nos. Goatery 100 kg 40.000/-

4 nos. Diary >10 liter/day 1,00,000/-

Poultry (Local Egg- 5000 5/egg 25,000/-

variety) Meat- 400 350/kg 1,40,000/-
kg
30 nos. Duck Egg-800 7/egg 5600/-
Meat- 30 Kg 400/Kg 12000/-

Table: Resources, activities, production & income from farm

Fish farm Ranjit Hazarika

Eco-hatchery under PMMSY 2021-22

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2. Bhargav Kr Bhagawati (Pabhoi Fish Farm)

Taking a right decision and working dedicatedly to achieve a dream make
anyone to become a successful person. The perfect example is Bhargav
Kr. Bhagawati, a youth from Pabhoi, Biswanath Chariali who has been
doing exemplary work in the field of aquaculture. He is a perfect example
of entrepreneurship development in rural Assam and is a role model for
many youths aspiring to become a successful entrepreneur in the field of
fisheries.

His journey before entering to this business was not smooth. Earlier after
completing MBA in 1st class he worked for companies including MNCs for
5 years. But he has an entrepreneurial mindset and so didn’t find any spark
in salaried job. His father is also a progressive fish farmer. So he decided to
join his parental business in 2014. But taking this decision was not easy for
him. By giving up a good salaried job and coming back to an interior place,
from Delhi to Pabhoi to find his dream has never been easy. People made
fun of him calling him mad and someone said that because of losing job
he got back to home. But he already made up his mind to do something big
and to prove everyone wrong. He visited many places and premier fishery
institutes of India to gain knowledge about scientific fish farming and whole
heartedly get involved in this business.

Mr. Bhagawati’s farm is known as “Pabhoi Fish Farm” that was established
by his father Biren Bhagawati, a great personality and the most respected
person among the fish farming fraternity. It is one of the leading fish farm
in Assam in the present scenario. Bhagawati’s farm area including a lease
land is around 19 hectares and he annually produces about 50crores fish
spawn, about 100tons of fry-fingerling seed and about 20tons of marketable
size fish. He is able to build up an ecosystem involving lots of farmers with
his farm creating a profit making revenue earning model benefitting all the
farmers. With his associate farmers their unit collectively produces 1000ton
fish seed and 500 tons market size fish during this year. He has a strong
distribution network. His farm produced seeds are sold to entire Assam and
Arunachal Pradesh and some parts of Meghalaya and Nagaland.

Bhargav has been trying to commercially breed locally important high

value fish like Magur, Pabda, Chital etc for last three years. He has recently
established a large breeding unit of locally important fish species funded
by NFDB and monitored by Dept. of Fisheries, Assam. He has achieved a
tremendous success in breeding of Magur and Pabda. He has produced
around 25000 nos magur seed and 30000 [Link] seed during this
year. He targets to produce more than 100000 seeds of Magur and Pabda
separately in the next year. He has also achieved a remarkable success in
breeding of Chital fish in Biofloc Tank. Chital fish seeds are aggressive eater

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 Farmer’s Handbook

of flocs so survival of seeds is higher than that of traditional method. This

year he is able to produce 25,000nos of Chital seed.

Pabhoi Fish Farm is known for quality seed, Training and Consultancy,
Scientific management practices and Ethical business practices. He
provides Residential and day long training. Bhargav has been invited to
many institutes viz. Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Assam Agricultural University,
College of Fisheries, AAU, Raha etc. Farmers, Students of College of
Fisheries, Raha and other college students come to this farm for exposure
visit and hands on training. Pabhoi Fish Farm has been doing many
collaborative works with Dept. of Fisheries, Assam, Dept. of Fiheries,
Arunachal Pradesh, DCFR, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, KVKs located in Assam
and Arunachal Pradesh, ICAR-IARI,Gogamukh,Assam, Assam Agricultural
University (AAU), Jorhat, College of Fisheries (AAU), Raha, College of
Fisheries (CAU),Tripura, NFDB-Regional Centre Guwahati, RARS(AAU),
Shillongoni, Biswanath College, Rajiv Gandhi University(RGU), Arunachal
Pradesh, Amity University, EDII(Entrepreneureship Development Institute
of India), State institute of Rural Develoment (SIRD), Biswanath etc.

Bhargav is nourishing his farm so well that this Pabhoi Fish Farm is not
simply a farm in present scenario, it becomes an institution known for
working on societal development of people by the means of providing
quality seed, imparting training and consultancy on scientific fish culture
and creating new aquapreneurs in Assam and Northeast as well. Bhargav
is perfectly doing what is ‘need of the hour’ i.e Rural Entrepreneurship
development. For his remarkable work in the field of Aquaculture he was
awarded as the best Fish Farmer of Assam on the occasion of the National
Fish Farmer’s Day on 10th July 2022 at Tripura. The farm is always open
for those who want to practice scientific fish farming as a profession thus
helping rural economic development by the means of Fish Farming.

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Magur breeding in newly constructed Magur hatchery

Pabda breeding and 22nd day raring seed

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Officials of Dept. of Fisheries, Biswanath District visit to the place to see Chital breeding

Fish seed packing towards various destinations

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 Farmer’s Handbook

Abbreviations
• L- Length
• B- Breadth
• m- meter
• Ha- hectare
• Kg- kilogram
• ppm- parts per million
• cm-centimetre
• Ltr- Litre
• °C- degree Celecious
• WSHG- Women Self Helf Groups
• GP- Gram Panchayat

Conversion table
1 inch 2.54 cm
1m 3.3 feet
1 hectare 2.47 acre
1 degree celsius 33.8 fehrenheit
1 sq.m 10.76 sq. feet

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Farmer Exercise Book

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70
Farmer Exercise book
1. Which of the following is a sustainable fish farming approach?
a) No chemical & No antibiotic usage
b) Efficient usage of water resources
c) Careful and efficient approach in feed and nutrient usage
d) Create no harm to surrounding ecosystem
e) All the above

2. Which of the following soil type is best suited for an Aquaculture Pond?
a) Sandy soil
b) Clay Soil

3. Consequences of selecting a soil type with poor water holding capacity?

a) More pumping cost
b) Quick reduction in water depth
c) Unstable plankton levels
d) All the above

4. Select the Ideal water pH range from the below list suitable for fish farming.
a) 6.5-9
b) 9-11
c) 4-6
d) All the above

5. Select the ideal pond depth for fish farming from the following list.
a) 1.5 Meters
b) 0.6 to 0.8 Meters
c) 2 to 3 Meters
d) All the above

6. The basic qualities of a good pond dike

a) Resist the water pressure
b) Should be impervious
c) Should be high enough
d) All of the above

7. If the stocking density is 1 fish per m 2 , in 1 Acre (4047 m 2 ) the total number of
fish required for stocking is 4047 number. If the stocking density is 2 fish per m 2,
how many fish do you need to stock in 1 Acre pond?
a) 8094
b) 7022
c) 6054
d) 1500

8. If the seed cost per fingerling is Rs. 3.00, how much capital do you need to buy 3000
fish fingerlings?
a) Rs. 8,000.00
b) Rs. 9,000.00
c) Rs. 12,000.00
d) Rs. 6,000.00
71
9. Identify Catla from the pictures below.

a) b) c)

10. Which of the following picture shows a good fishpond plan?

a) b)

11. Identify the pond with poor water quality.

a) b)

72
12. If you can stock 1500 fish per acre, how many fish do you need for stocking in 2.5 Acres?
a) 4000 Fish b) 3000 Fish c) 3750 Fish d) 2750 Fish

13. Identify the characteristics of good quality seed from the following.
a) Active movement, no physical damage, good pigmentation
b) Lethargic, injuries on the body, dull colour

14. If the average supplemental feed per day is 15 Kg, how much feed do you need for 200 days?
a) 2500 Kg b) 3000 Kg c) 3500Kg d) 1500 Kg

15. What will be the Feed Conversion Ratio if the cumulative supplemental feed volume is 4005
Kg and the harvested biomass is 1500 Kg?
a) 1:37 b) 1: 2.67 c) 1:1.75 d) 1: 2.77

16. If the operational expenditure for one culture cycle is Rs. 80,000 and the revenue generated
after harvest and sale is Rs. 1,55,000, what is the profit margin?
a) Rs. 65,500 b) Rs. 75,000 c) Rs. 80,000 d) Rs. 1,05,000

17. If you spend Rs. 2,20,000 for pond construction, Rs. 50,000 for water pumping equipment,
and Rs. 30,000 for manual labour for pond construction work like water lines, outlet and other
infrastructure, what is your total capital investment cost?
a) Rs. 4,75,000 b) Rs. 3,00,000 c) Rs. 2,70,000 d) Rs. 2,50,000

18. If the total Capital expenditure for starting a fish new farm is Rs. 300,000, the average
operational expenditure per cycle is Rs. 80,000 and the average profit per cycle is Rs. 75,000,
how many culture cycles will it take to attain the ROI?
a) 3 Culture cycles b) 4 Culture cycles c) 2.5 Culture cycles d) 5 Culture cycles

19. If the prescribed Agriculture lime dose per 1 Acre per 3 feet water depth is 20 kg, how much
lime do you need for a 2-acre pond with 6 feet water depth?
a) 90 Kg b) 80 Kg c) 120 Kg d) 40 Kg

20. The water transparency level of an aquaculture pond can be measured by

a) Secchi Disc b) Refractometer c) Plankton net d) Colour comparator

21. Which of the following Agri-byproduct can be used as a supplemental diet in fish farming
a) Paddy husk b) Dry Grass c) Rice bran d) Peanut hulls

22. If the water transparency level in a fish pond is less than 25 cm, how much fresh poultry
manure can be applied per week?
a) 0 kg/Acre b) 4.5 kg/ Acre c) 10 kg/ Acre d) 6 kg/ Acre

Key:

73
74
 Sustainable Aquaculture

Grow Out Economics

75
76
77
 Sample Calculations Your Farm’s Economic Workings
One time capital Component Units Cost per unit* Cost* One time capital Component Units Cost per Cost*

78
investment costs investment costs unit*

Asset acquisition Land purchase cost 1 Acre ₹ 1,00,000.00 ₹ 1,00,000.00

cost

Lease cost 1 Acre ₹ 15,000.00 ₹ 15,000.00

Soil quality & suit- 1 Acre ₹ 2,000.00 Rs. 2,000.00

ability assessment
test
Survey, drawing & 1 Acre ₹ 5,000.00 Rs. 5,000.00
topographical work
plan
A Total if ₹ 1,07,000.00
purchased the
land
B Total if it is a ₹ 22,000.00
lease the land

Construction Clear vegetation in 1 Acre ₹ 2000.00/ ₹ 8000.00

cost for new the site with hour x 4 hours
pond bulldozer
Remove topsoil with 816 M3 ₹ 2000.00/ ₹ 24,000.00
bulldozer hour x 12
hours
Build inlet pipe 1M ₹ 600.00/M ₹ 600.00
manually

Dig drainage canal 1.5 M3 ₹ 600.00/M ₹ 900.00

Drainage pipeline 15 M ₹ 300.00/M ₹ 4500.00

installation

Build dikes 2500 M3 ₹ 2000.00/ ₹ 60,000.00

hour x 30
hours
C Total ₹ 98,000.00
 Sample Calculations Your Farm’s Economic Workings
One time capital Component Units Cost per unit* Cost* One time capital Component Units Cost per Cost*
investment costs investment costs unit*

Infrastructure Warehouse 100 M2 ₹ 300.00/ M2 ₹ 30,000.00

Development
cost and others
Pumping system 5 Hp submersible 1 ₹ 45,000.00 ₹ 45,000.00
pump cost

Boat 1 M.T volume boat 1 ₹ 10,000.00 ₹ 10,000.00

Others Drainage pipes, --- ₹ 25,000.00 ₹ 25,000.00

cement, gravel etc
D Total ₹ 1,10,000

Value for Farmer’s time for (96 ₹ 1000.00/ ₹ 15,000.00

farmer’s time planning and hours) 8hours
spent on the site execution 15 days
supervision
E Total ₹ 15,000.00
Total capital investment (For lease pond) B+C+D+E ₹ 2,45,000.00
Total capital investment (For purchased pond) A+C+D+E ₹ 3,30,000.00

* Indicative values, need to be verified and replaced with local cost.

79
 Cost Variation between Manual Labour & Machinery:
With manual workforce:

80
Component Units Cost per unit Workforce Time Estimated Cost
required units for
calculation
Clear vegetation in the site M2 ₹ 2.00/ M2 4 people 4 people x 72 hours 4080 M2 ₹ 8160.00

Topsoil removal/storage (0.20 m) M3 ₹ 36 / M3 12 people 12 people x 68 hours = 816 hours (1M3 /hour excavation 816 M3 (for ₹ 29,376.00
& moving) 4080 M2 area)

Build inlet pipe M ₹ 600.00/M 2 people 2 x 2 hours 1M ₹ 600.00

Dig drainage canal digging 15 M long & M3 ₹ 600.00/M 2 people 2 people x 2 hours = 4 hours 1.5 M3 ₹ 900.00
0.1 M2 deep (0.75M3 /hour excavation & moving)
Drainage pipeline installation M ₹ 300.00/M 4 people 4 people x 8 hours = 32 hours 15 M ₹ 4500.00
Build dikes (65 M length x 62.77 M M3 ₹ 36/M3 36 people 36 people x 70 hours (1M3/hour excavation & moving) 2500 M3 ₹ 90,000.00
width x 2- meter hight and 2-meter
crust)
Total ₹ 1,33,536.00

With machinery & manual combination work:

Clear vegetation in the site M2 ₹ 2000.00/ 1 Bulldozer 4 hourst 4080 M2 ₹ 8000.00

hour

Topsoil removal/storage (0.20 m) M3 ₹ 2000 / hour 1 Bulldozer 12 Hours (excavation & moving) 816 M3 (for ₹ 24,000.00
4080 M2 area)
Build inlet pipe M ₹ 600.00/M 2 people 2 x 2 hours 1M ₹ 600.00

Dig drainage canal digging 15 M long & M3 ₹ 600.00/M 2 people 2 people x 2 hours = 4 hours 1.5 M3 ₹ 900.00
0.1 M2 deep (0.75M3 /hour excavation & moving)
Drainage pipeline installation M ₹ 300.00/M 4 people 4 people x 8 hours = 32 hours 15 M ₹ 4500.00
Build dikes (65 M length x 62.77 M M3 ₹ 2000/hour 1 Bulldozer 30 hours (excavation & moving & compaction) 2500 M3 ₹ 60,000.00
width x 2- meter hight and 2-meter
crust)
Total ₹ 98,000.00
 On-Stocking Economics:
On-stocking economics involves the recurring or operational expenses involved in pond preparation like liming, water filling,
manuring, seed purchasing and stocking cost. These expenses get repeated for every culture cycle.

Sample Calculations Your Farm’s Economic Workings

Recurring or Component Units Cost per unit* Cost One time capital Component Units Cost per Cost*
operating costs investment costs unit*
A. Pond
Preparation Cost
Liming Agriculture Lime 100 kg ₹ 7.00/kg ₹ 700.00
Ag lime application cost 1 X 1 hour ₹. 200.00/hour ₹ 200.00
time
Pumping Cost 5 Hp pumping cost to fill 716 units ₹ 3.00 ₹ 2,148.00
the pond (8 days’ time)
Manuring Manure purchase cost 1200 Kg ₹ 5.00/kg ₹ 6,000.00
Manure application cost 2 X 2 Hours ₹ 200.00/hour ₹ 800.00
A Total ₹ 9,848.00

Sample Calculations Your Farm’s Economic Workings

Recurring or Component Units Cost per unit* Cost One time capital Component Units Cost per Cost*
operating costs investment costs unit*
B. Seed stocking Seed purchase cost 1500 fish ₹ 2.00 ₹ 3,000.00
cost
Seed transportation cost 1 vehicle ₹ 3000.00 ₹ 3,000.00

Seed stocking cost 2 vehicle ₹ 300.00 ₹ 600.00

(Resources)
Farmer’s work-hour cost 6 hours ₹ 200.00/hour ₹ 1,200.00

B. Sum of all expenses incurred for the ₹ 7,800.00

81
stocking of fish seed in the pond

On-Stocking recurring expenses total (A + B) = ₹ 9,848.00 + ₹ 7,800.00 = ₹ 17,648.00

82
Post-Stocking Economics:
Post stocking expenses involves all the expenditure that you make to grow your fish after stocking
the seed until they are being harvested and sold.

Sample Calculations Your Farm’s Economic Workings

Recurring or Component Units Cost per unit* Cost One time capital Component Units Cost per Cost*
operating costs investment costs unit*
C. Water quality Water quality test kits 1 (100 tests each) ₹ 3500.00 ₹ 3500.00
assessment kit (pH, Ammonia, Nitrite,
cost nitrate, alkalinity)
D. Periodic Ag lime purchase cost 20 kg x 8=160 Kg*2 ₹ 7.00/kg ₹ 1120.00
Liming cost
Ag lime application cost 8 x 1 hour time ₹ 200.00/hour ₹ 1600.00

E. Periodic Manure purchase cost 200 kg x 16 ₹ 5.00/kg*3 ₹ 16,000.00

manuring cost applications
=3200 kg*3
Manure application 16 applications ₹ 200.00/hour ₹ 3200.00
cost
[Link] DORB purchase cost 480 Kg (32% of ₹ 14.00/kg ₹ 6720.00
feed cost*4 target biomass)
Oil cakes purchase cost 120 Kg (8% of ₹ 35.00 /kg ₹ 4200.00
target biomass)
Used bags cost 25 ₹ 10.00/bag ₹ 250.00

Feed application cost 60days*5 ₹ 200.00/hour ₹ 12,000.00

G. Sampling cost Monthly sampling cost 8 times ₹ 500.00/hour ₹ 4000.00

 Sample Calculations Your Farm’s Economic Workings
Recurring or Component Units Cost per unit* Cost One time capital Component Units Cost per Cost*
operating costs investment costs unit*
H. Expert Consultation cost 4 times ₹ 1500.00/visit ₹ 6,000.00
advice &/or lab
assessment cost
I. Harvesting Harvesting gear rental 1 seine net ₹ 1500.00/ Day ₹ 1500.00
cost
Harvesting workforce 7 people ₹ 600.00/ half ₹ 4200.00
day
J. Value for Work-hour spent by @ 1 hour/day x ₹ 200.00/hour ₹ 48,000.00
farmer’s time farmer on farm 240 days =240
hours
i) Total post stocking expenses (Sum of C+D+E+F+G+H+I+J) ₹ 1,12,290.00
ii) Total On-Stocking expenses (A+B) ₹ 17,648.00
iii) Sum of all operating expenses (A+B+C+D+E+F+G+H+I+J) ₹ 1,37,738.00
iv) Land lease ₹ 15,000.00
v) Sum of all investments made for the complete culture cycle ₹ 1,52,738.00
vi) Harvested @ 1 kg body weight with 1500 x 1 Kg= ₹ 120/ Kg ₹1,80,000.00
biomass value 100% survival estimate 1500 Kg farmgate
price

One culture cycle profit margin = (VI-V) ₹ 27,262.00

*2 This is an estimation for demonstrating the economics part based on the need of your farm, application necessity and dosage needs to be decided. Estimated at the rate of 20 kg / Acre
/ month and an estimate of 8 months of culture period.
*3 Application volume, number of applications and unit price are indicative, considered for the purpose of calculation, actual manuring dose needs to be decided as per the individual
pond requirement and price of the manure also needs to be amended as per your local cost.
*4 Total supplementary feed usage volume is estimated @ 40% of the total target biomass of 1500 kg and the DORB and Oil cake ratios are 80% and 20% respectively.
*5 While calculating the supplemental feed application cost, the total days of supplemental feed application was calculated only for 60 days considering its usage extensive farming
system, in case of semi-intensive system it needs to be corrected as per the actual application days. If the productivity of the pond is good, there might be no need to use supplementary
feeds and that cost component can be deducted from the expenses.

83
* In the case of leased ponds, land lease needs to be considered under recuring expenses.
* Expenses like disease treatment and other incidental expenses which are case specific are not mentioned in this estimate model, if such expenses are there, they need to be counted
under recuring expenses.
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Sustainable Aquaculture for Food and Livelihood (SAFAL)

Sarbeswar Bhawan, 1st by Ln, Jaya Nagar,
Guwahati, Assam, 781022, India

E: info@[Link]

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