Sustainable Living and Nutrition through Mixed Fish Farming: A Comprehensive Handbook
Mixed fish farming, a popular and profitable practice in India, offers numerous benefits for farmers, the economy, and food security. This farming method involves rearing multiple compatible fish species in a single pond, each utilizing different layers of the pond and not competing with one another.
The ideal pond for fish farming should contain water-holding soil, have an assured supply of clean water, and be positioned away from flood-affected locations. Proper pond preparation before fish stocking is essential for higher survival rates and a healthier life of the fish.
Once the pond is ready, fish seed stocking is done 15 days after fertilization, with compatible fingerlings species introduced into the pond at a stocking ratio that aligns with their feeding zones. For fingerlings weighing up to 500 grams, the feeding rate is 5 to 6 percent of their body weight, while for fish weighing 500 to 1000 grams, the feeding rate is reduced to 3.5 percent.
Fertilization is applied after a gap of one week, using organic and inorganic fertilizers to enhance the availability of natural food for fish. The pond must be completely dried for 10 to 20 days, ploughed to a depth of 15 cm, and limed with lime powder or quicklime to neutralize soil acidity.
Ideal water quality parameters for fish health and growth include dissolved oxygen of 5 to 6 mg/litre, pH of 7 to 8.5, temperature of 25 to 28°C, water transparency of 25 to 30 cm, low carbon dioxide, and low salinity.
Commonly used fish species in mixed fish farming include Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal, with a traditional combination having them in a ratio of 4:3:3. Species such as these are well-suited for mixed farming as they coexist harmoniously and each species utilizes different layers of the pond.
Mixed fish farming fully utilizes available pond resources and aids in the conservation of ecological balance. It is an effective and environmentally friendly method for boosting farmers' income and nutritional intake. Fish are fed using feeding trays or bags placed at the pond bottom or spread near pond corners, with a mixture of rice bran and oilcake in a 4:1 ratio.
Harvesting is usually done after one year, yielding approximately 4 to 5 tonnes of fish per hectare every year. Fish farming in India is profitable, contributing to food security, job creation, and economic growth. Mixed fish farming is best suited for marginal and small farmers who would like to convert their water bodies into profit-generating resources.
