Fish Farming with Pond Dyke Utilization in Dhalai District of Tripura: A Case Study

Abstract

Fish farming with pond dyke utilization was demonstrated in Dhalai District of Tripura. Fish culture was done at a species composition of catla (40%), rohu (30%), mrigal (2096) and grass carp (10%) in a combined stocking density of 10000 fingerlings/ ha with an aim to enhance the production of fish from previous benchmark level of 1260 kg/ha (934-1545 kg/ha). Fishes were fed on floating type pellet feed having 20% crude protein coupled with aeration facility in the pond. The surfaces of pond dykes were utilized for growing pineapple, country bean, ginger and turmeric. The utilization of family labour round the year contributed the improvement in pond based integrated production system. Average production of fish was 2391 kg/ha (2283-2473 kg/ha), pineapples 96 numbers, ginger 40 kg, turmeric 51 kg and country bean was 83 kg depending on intensity of utilization of available resources. The average cost of production was Rs. 150000/ha for fish, Rs. 400/-for pineapple, Rs. 2500/- for ginger, Rs. 1000/- for turmeric and Rs. 500/- for bean. Net profit was Rs. 208725/ha for fish, Rs. 566/- for pineapple, Rs. 1500/- for ginger, Rs. 1583/- for turmeric and Rs. 1166/- for bean. Additional benefit of Rs. 4815/- was realized from pond dyke utilization. Benefit-cost ratio was 2.3 for fish, 2.4 for pineapple, 1.6 for ginger, 2.5 for turmeric and 3.3 for bean production. Overall, the results showed possibility for further enhancing the income of the farmers through integrated pond management.