Odisha Govt launched a new scheme ‘Promotion of Intensive Aquaculture through Introduction of Bio-flocTechnology during the year 2020-21’

The Fisheries and Animal Resources Department of the Odisha Government has launched a new scheme ‘Promotion of Intensive Aquaculture through Introduction of Bio-flocTechnology during the year 2020-21’. The state with this scheme aims to increase the fish productivity and make the state self-sufficient in fish production. The scheme will provide income and livelihood support to entrepreneurs, unemployed youth and interested progressive fish farmers.

• Under this programme, 1080 Bio-floc tanks will be developed with subsidy support, under state plan scheme during 2020-21 in all 30 districts of Odisha. 
• The total outlay of the programme is Rs.310.00 lakh.

Key Info

i.The unit cost to install a Biofloc unit of 2 tanks is Rs 1.50 lakh, while a Biofloc unit of 6 tanks costs about Rs 4 lakh.

ii.Besides providing all technical know-how to implement the project, it also provides a subsidy of 40% to General & 60% subsidy to SC & ST women beneficiaries for this scheme.

Note– Subsidy support is only for infrastructure costs and does not include any operational costs.

Gist about Biofloc based farming

General Info

It is an advanced fish farming technology to promote intensive fish and shrimp production in a limited area without significantly increasing the use of the basic natural resources of water and land.

Establishment

A person who has small land holding (150-200 square meter of land) and has either municipal piped water supply or bore well water supply can set up this business with a small investment. It can be set up even on terraces of buildings and backyard.

Suitability

i.The Biofloc system is suitable to grow freshwater fish species such as GIFT Tilapia, Magur, Pangasius, Anabas, Common Carp and others depending on local market demands.

ii.This system is suitable for urban and semi-urban areas.

Fish Feed

In this technology, the waste organic matter in the tank, like feed waste, is digested using probiotics (helpful bacteria) and carbon sources such as molasses and gets converted to fish feed.

Biofloc tank & Fish Growth

i.Each biofloc tank is stocked with about 1,000-1,500 numbers of quality fish (2-3 cm) or fingerlings (8-10 cm) with an aim to produce 500 kg fish over a 6month period.

ii.Within 6 months the fish grows to about 200 grams within 3 months and 700 -800 gram. 

iii.Therefore, the fish can be partially harvested on a daily basis to generate daily income for farmers depending on the local market demand.

Note– As it offers live or fresh fish to the customers, the producer fetches higher market prices

Better than normal pond based farming system

i.Biofloc fish farming system– 2000 kg fish can be produced from 4 small tanks of each 4-metre diameter and 1.2-metre depth installed in a floor area of about 100-150 square metre.

ii.Normal pond based farming system– About 2000 kg fish can be produced in 6 months from one acre of an earthen tank (4000 square metre area) 

Recent Related News:

i.The Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, launched the Bhubaneswar Land Use Intelligence System (BLUIS), a flagship development of the General Administration and Public grievances departments. Odisha becomes the 1st state in India to use high resolution satellite imagery utilising space technology and Artificial Intelligence(AI) to monitor government lands.

ii.Government of Odisha launched 1st of its kind scheme, ‘Balaram’ to provide agricultural credit of Rs 1,040 crore to landless farmers facing hardships during COVID 19. The Scheme is designed in collaboration with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

About Odisha:
National Park– Bhitarkanika National Park, Simlipal National Park
Zoological Park– Nandankanan Zoological Park