Fish Farming

                        

In Fish farming, fish are raised in enclosures to be sold as a rich protein food.

It is the fastest-growing branch of agriculture under animal food production.

We do understand that Today, almost 50% of the fish consumed in the world are raised in these artificial conditions.

There are few commonly farmed species like salmon, tuna, cod, trout, and halibut.

Fish Farming includes doing farming and raising fish commercially in tanks and in fish ponds

Basically, this is a main form of aquaculture, while other methods may come under Mariculture.     

Worldwide, Demand is increasing for fish and fish protein on a daily basis and that is the reason for widespread wild overfishing.

China is the country which provides around 60% of the world’s farmed fish

India is in the second position in the world for freshwater fish farmed production.

There is a big scope for fish farming development when improved systems and species are adopted.

This is a Known fact that Fish is very healthy and has a nutritious protein that is popular around the world.

 

At present Industrial fish farming which is also called aquaculture provides almost half the seafood around the world and this is going to increase many folds in the near future.

Word Wide Fish Species

These are worldwide fish species:

Grass carp, Silver carp, Common carp, Nile tilapia, Bighead carp, Catla (Indian carp), Crucian carp, Milkfish, Roho label Atlantic salmon, Rainbow trout, Wuchang bream, Black carp, Northern snakehead

As much as India is concerned following are some of healthiest Indian fish varieties which you must try to taste:

1. Bounty of nutrients

It is rich in good fats, vitamins, and minerals, This Fish is considered to be healthy for the heart. 

2. Rohu

This is Also known as Carpo fish.  Rohu is one of the best enriched with a handsome amount of protein. It is packed with Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins A, B, and C. There are recommendations that everyone should eat Rohu at least once or twice a week.

3.Rani

This is a freshwater fish and also called as Rani in India and is a common freshwater fish in India. This fish is very good for people who are planning to lose weight. It has only 4% of body fat.

4.Surmai

This species of Indian fish is Very high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, is indeed the kingfish of the Indian Ocean.

6.Katla

This fish is basically widely found in the lakes and rivers of North India.

This fish has a lot of proteins and vitamins in it and low in calories. This is a good option for people who want to maintain weight.

7.Paplet

Indian butterfish, Pomfret, or Paplet is a type of Butterfish that is widely available in South Asia. It is Delicious in taste and has a tremendous amount of omega 3 fatty acids. Silver or white pomfret and black pomfret are the two most popular in Indian fish eaters sold fishes in India.

8. Hilsa

This national fish of Bangladesh. In India Hilsa is found in Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. It is a delicacy not just in India but is also enjoyed all over South Asia. It is among the costliest fishes in India. Hilsa is being highly fished and the population is gradually decreasing. So be wise and do not put Hilsa on your plate too often.

9. Bangda

There is Indian Mackerel or Bangda fish which is rich in Omega 3 compound and one more compound i.e. Selenium c which is best for your heart health. It helps lower blood pressure, enhances eyesight, and reduces cholesterol. It is a good fish to eat if you want to lose weight. The best part is that it is very reasonably priced. Mackerel has a low mercury level fish body and therefore almost anyone can eat it.

10. Pedvey

This is high in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Eating this fish help in making your bones stronger, prevent inflammation, and relieve stress. Commonly found in Karnataka, Goa, Kerala and southern Maharashtra.

11. Singhara

These fish have both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Nutritional Value of Fish

Fish farming is very important for providing protein because Fish is not only delicious and nutritious but also a great source of protein. Fish also has nutrients like omega-3 Fatty acids. Omega 3 Fatty acids are very helpful for heart health and keep lower our blood cholesterol level.

Fish farming is now playing an important source of global protein demands.

There are many opportunities available if you raise fish at home.

Home raised fish could easily be sold for profit around the local market.

If you want locally raised fish from organic farms. It could be a great thing as this will provide you delicious fresh seafood.

Is it Profitable?

In early around 1950 Eel fish farming was started and it is considered one of the most profitable in terms of export value in the fishing industry. However, The profit value of fish farming is largely impacted by Asian markets.

 How to Start Fish Farming

Major requirements to get a license for fish farming business

You need to get some basic fish farming from Agricultural organizations so that you could have Construction of pond with proper inlets and outlets.

Stocking management includes liming, growth of plankton, manuring, filling of water, seed stocking, etc.

Water and soil analysis documents.

How to start a home-based fish farming business

It will always better to start a home-based fish farming business to get some basic knowledge about raising fish.

 You will also need to learn about the business and the marketing side of farming.

To raise fish you will need some space for various sizes of digging pond as per your requirement. There are many ways to do Fish farming.  You may use water tanks, water containers, and water tubs for fish farming.

If you want to start successful fish farming You should gather good knowledge of fish business and other all aspects related to this. Therefore it is important that you visit fish farms and other agricultural organizations related to fish farming to get first-hand knowledge. 

What should you consider before starting fish farming?

There is a possibility that after you have started fish farming at home, you may find fish farming a profitable business for you and you may decide to start to expand your fish farming program. You will need big infrastructure, starting capital, commercial equipment, and more people to start a large scale farm.

There are many other ways to get detailed information about fish farming. You could gather it from agricultural universities, fisheries departments. Make a business plan and prepare a feasibility report that calculates all your expenses and profits regarding everything involved in it. This would help you to get bank loans and also to attract your type of people, partners, or investors.

If you are really enthusiastic, you must be very practical about fish farming, and try to get as much help as possible.

It will always be better if you try to get someone to work with or you may work with another fish farm for some time to gather experience at first. So, before you enter the aquaculture industry and start your own fish farming business,  and decide if fish farming is the best business for you.

What equipment do I need?

If you want to put up small fish farming farms you will be required to dig fish pound and then has to search a reliable water source. After getting the water you will be simply required juvenile fish seed and some fish feed to start. 

In case you want to start a large scale or say commercial fish farms, you will be required Aquarium or fish tank, Pumps, Aeration Devices, Net or Seine Reels, Handling, and Grading Equipment.

Kindly consider the following things before setting up fish farms

1. Do you have a suitable location?

You have to check which is the suitable location for fish farming considering the availability of land, compliance with local laws, and offices for your staff and store.

2. Where can you gather knowledge?

You can acquire knowledge from existing fish farms, agricultural universities, and from some websites.

3. Do you need a Business Plan?

 You should have a business plan in place containing all the necessary information about the company.

4. How can you get funding?

You should have some funds or eligible for getting loans from banks. You can make someone partner start this.

You may think about some other sources like Borrow against your property, Sell your valuables, ask your friends and relatives, Look for microloans or Government Funding.

5. What about marketing?

It will depend on your advertising skill and connections with local businesses. You may advertise it through the internet and social media.

If your fish farm on the road you may encourage people especially passers-by to stop and buy fish.

 

World’s Largest Aquaculture Producers

China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Korea, and Japan

 

Sea food-importing Countries

Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand, Hongkong, Taiwan, and Singapore.

Sentience and Animal Welfare

Many consumer groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have maintained their fish farms. They are concerned with the poor conditions maintained by some farms and raising aquatic animals for human consumption.

The abuse of these animals has alerted animal welfare advocates and social organizations who believe that animals including fish being sentient have the ability to feel pleasure and pain. It is, therefore, providing a lack of space and overstocking, behavioral interactions, poor health status, which is of big concern as these negative living conditions affect the animals and they’re well being. Raising animals in these conditions and environments results in poor and weaker individuals are greatly prone to diseases and other problems that often die resulting in loss of profits for the fish farm owner.

 

Overall Fish farming has a great scope in local as well as worldwide market; it is, therefore, the right time to start it. This is also providing alternatives to crop farming where farmers are not able to get good profit. At present, there are lots of organizations that are promoting this business. Details of these organizations are easily available on the internet.