APART�s upgraded hatchery starts quality fish seed distribution at Sivasagar

GUWAHATI, July 3 - The upgraded hatchery of the Fishery Department set up under the World Bank funded project �Assam Agri-Business and Rural Transformation Project (APART)� at Joysagar Fish Farm, Sivasagar has started quality fish seed distribution.

It is to be mentioned that the quality fish seed is the main input for fish farming practices which determine the overall production scenario of fish. The progress of the inland fishery, particularly the culture sector is attributed to the success of induced breeding technique. �The existing fish seed production hatchery as well as brood bank, nursery and rearing tanks were upgraded through the financial support of APART to fulfil the demand of quality fish seed in the district,� said the District Fisheries Development Officer, Sivasagar Ramchandra Thaosen. A total of about 9 lakh catla, rohu and mrigal seeds have been produced till date in this upgraded hatchery, he added.

According to Kaustava Goswami, Fishery Development Officer and In-charge of this farm, the seed production began from May 8 last amid the pandemic situation following all the advisories of COVID-19 and all the officials of District Fishery Office, Sivasagar put in their best efforts for production of quality fish seed in the greater interest of the public.

Speaking at the quality fingerling fish seed distribution camp produced in the upgraded hatchery under APART at Joysagar Fish Farm, Sivasagar recently, Dr Dhrubajyoti Sharma, Nodal Officer, APART (Fishery) mentioned that quality fish seed production and cluster development for fish seed growers will improve fish seed production system in an organised manner at a compact area, replacing poor quality seed with new high-yielding varieties, increasing the quantity of fish seed production to meet the local demand, timely supply with reasonable cost and self reliance of quality fish seed at the compact area. He also viewed that it may unite the farmers of the village for a common cause, enhance confidence in marketing and understanding the concept of quality fish seed among the farmers as per norms laid down under Assam Fish Seed Rule, 2010. Because of known sources of fish seeds, the producers will be able to grow big fish within a specific time period and at the same time consumers will be benefited.

It is stated that under the World Bank funded project, three departmental upgraded hatcheries are now functioning under the respective District Fishery Development Officers for quality fish seed production at the Ulubari Fish Seed Farm, Kamrup; Islamabad Fish Farm, Cachar and Joysagar Fish farm, Sivasagar District and upgradation work of two more hatcheries is under progress, he added.