development of inland fisheries

Development of

Inland FIsherIesin Tamil Nadu

state plannIng commIssIongovernment of tamil naduezhilagam, chepauk chennai – 600 005

Workshop Series : 10/APP (2013)

1State Planning Commission, TamilNadu

Development of Inland Fisheries in Tamil Nadu


State Planning CommiSSion10.02.2014

Workshop series : 10/APP (2013)


2 Agricultural Policy & Planning Division

Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission The State Planning Commission was constituted in Tamil Nadu on 25th May 1971 under the Chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chief Minister as an Advisory body to make recommendations to the Government on various matters pertaining to the development of the State. The Chairman of the Commission is assisted by a team of Members, Consisting of Vice Chairman, Full Time Member & Part Time Members who are experts in various fields. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and the Principal Secretary to Government, Finance Department are the ex-officio members. The Member Secretary is responsible for administration in the Commission.

The Commission has the following technical divisions:1. Agricultural Policy and Planning2. Industries, Power and Transport3. Land Use4. Education and Employment5. Health and Social Welfare6. District Planning and Rural Development7. Plan Co-ordination.

Main activities of SPC :The major functions of the State Planning Commission are as follows:1. Preparation of Five Year and Annual Plans based on the policies and priorities of the Government;

2. Undertake Mid Term review of the Five Year Plan, other special reviews on the Economy and advise the Government on appropriate modification and restructuring of the schemes;

3. Monitor development indicators that influence the Human Development Index, Gender Development Index, etc., at a disaggregated level and suggest correctional measures;

4. Undertake special studies as required for formulation and implementation of plan projects and programmes;

5. Tamil Nadu State Land Use Research Board (TNSLURB) is functioning under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman, State Planning Commission as a permanent body in the State Planning Commission. This Board is intended to promote interaction and study in the vital areas of land use. The State Planning Commission organizes seminars/workshops and undertake studies.

6. Human Development Reports (HDRs) were prepared for Dindigul, Sivagangai, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, the Nilgiris, Kanyakumari and Dharmapuri districts. The concept of Human Development has been disseminated to all districts through workshops organized in the concerned districts. Proposal for preparation of District Human Development Reports (DHDR) for the remaining districts is under process.

7. State Balanced Growth Fund (SBGF) is operated to bridge the regional imbalances among the districts.



Details Page No.

Workshop Team 4

Workshop Sessions 5

Executive Summary 7

Introduction 9

Session I – Status and Prospects of Inland Fisheries in

Tamil Nadu12

Session II – Innovative Aquaculture System to Enhance

Fish Production in Tamil Nadu 16

Session III – Inland Fisheries - Potentials & Prospects 20

Session IV – Sharing of Successful Experience 23

Recommendations 24

List of Participants 26

CoNTeNTS



Tmt. Santha Sheela Nair, I.A.S., (Retd.)Vice Chairperson, SPC

Dr. K. RamasamyMember(Agriculture & Irrigation), SPC

Thiru. M.Balaji,I.A.S.Member-Secretary, SPC

Dr. K.R.JahanmohanHead of Division,Agriculture Policy and Planning Division

Thiru. R.K. Haroon Senior Planning Officer,Agriculture Policy and Planning Division

Thiru. S. Boopathy MohanSystem Analyst, SPC

Tmt.S.S.SanthiTechnical Assistant,Agriculture Policy and Planning Division

Tmt. S.S.LakshmiPlanning Assistant,Agriculture Policy and Planning Division

Tmt. K.KasthuriPersonal Clerk,Agriculture Policy and Planning Division

WoRKSHoP TeAM



Welcome Address

Thiru. M.Balaji, I.A.S.,Member Secretary, SPC

Inaugural Address Tmt Santha Sheela Nair,I.A.S., (Retd.)Vice Chairperson, SPC

Presentation Session I – Status and Prospects of Inland Fisheries in Tamil NaduThiru.C.Munianathan, I.A.S, Director of Fisheries, Fisheries Department. Chennai - 6

Session II – Innovative Aquaculture System to enhance Fish Production in Tamil Nadu

Dr.S.Felix, Director (i/c), Institute of Fisheries Technology, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Chennai- 51.

Session III – Inland Fisheries - Potentials & ProspectsDr. J. Stephen Sampath Kumar, Professor (Aquaculture) ,Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Thoothukkudi – 628 008

Session IV – Sharing of Successful experience Fish Farming Community

Interactive Session

Vote of Thanks Dr.K.R.JahanmohanHead of Division,Agriculture Policy & Planning Division, State Planning Commission.

WoRKSHoP SeSSIoNS



eXeCUTIVe SUMMARYTamil Nadu ranks eighth place in inland

fisheries production in the Country (1.85 lakh tonnes in 2012-13), though potential exists for increasing the fish catch upto 4.50 lakh tonnes. The inland fisheries sector has about 3.73 lakh ha. of water spread area with nearly 2.23 lakh inland fisherman directly depending on this sector for their livelihood. In Tamil Nadu, if the existing resources are properly utilized with adoption of technology in the fish farming, the open waters can yield as high as 2.0 tonnes fish per ha Short and long term seasonal tanks available in the State are the major contributors for fish production (up to 82%) wherein cage farming is possible for increasing the fish production to 0.3 million tonnes.

Introduction of aquaculture in reservoirs/PWD & Panchayat Tanks, excavated ponds, promotion of cage farming in open water bodies, integrated aquaculture practice with agriculture & livestock and promotion of brackish water shrimp/fish culture are the few key opportunities available for aquaculture in Tamil Nadu. Yet, the inland aquaculture sector is not able to produce viable technologies which could deliver adequate economic returns. Therefore, for the inland aquaculture sector to deliver, it is inevitable that new, intensive and innovative culture systems suitable for various species and geographical locations of Tamil Nadu be introduced.

The workshop emphasized on extension of training on creation of cages with the available materials/ low cost & quality materials, proper laying of cages in the reservoirs/water resources and detection of disease in the fishes and its treatment. Linking of seed growers and lessees of tanks should be more resolute for enhanced stocking. Since cost of fish feed is a major component of overall cost of production, it was suggested that production of farm-made fish feed to be encouraged. The need for adequate training on identification and prevention of diseases in the fishes for increased production was stressed. In this context, it was also suggested that district specific mineral mixture for fishes similar to that of TANUVAS for the livestock/cattle smart mixtures may be developed. Further, it was suggested that the funds under State Balanced Growth Fund may be dovetailed with this programme. In case of inland fisheries, as the reservoirs contribute only 1% in the harvest, more focus shall be on culturing in Panchayat tanks, Minor Irrigation tanks for which the watershed maps shall be prepared by the department for leasing purpose. It was suggested that while leasing panchayat tanks for this purpose, the income generated from the lease may be appropriated to the concerned panchayats as an incentive. To achieve the above goal, synchronization of Water Resources Department and Fisheries Department is essential. The release of water



in consultation with fisheries department may thus be contemplated. The untapped potential of abandoned quarries was highlighted and it was suggested that a list of abandoned quarries shall be prepared and an action plan for fish rearing may be worked out.

In addition to the popular inland fish varieties, the need for mass multiplication

of new fish varieties like Nile Tilapia was stressed and establishing Nile Tilapia hatchery by Government to ensure production and supply of quality seed was suggested. In the reservoirs, setting up of ‘Tilapia Parks’ can also be considered. In this regard, it was suggested that a comprehensive Leasing Policy shall be prepared and released.



INTRoDUCTIoNFisheries sector is one of the important

food production sectors in the State

contributing to the livelihood as well as food

security of a large section of the economically

under-privileged population. In recent

years, it has assumed greater significance

and its contribution towards the State and

the National economy in terms of livelihood

and nutritional security, rural employment

generation and foreign exchange earnings

have been enormous. Tamil Nadu ranks

eighth place in Inland fisheries production in

the Country (1.85 lakh tonnes in 2011), though

potential exists for increasing the fish catch

upto 4.50 lakh tonnes. The fisheries sector

contributed Rs.2,680 crore to the GSDP (at

2004-05 prices) during 2011-2012 in the State,

which is 0.80 percent of the total GSDP.

The inland fisheries sector has about 3.73 lakh ha. of water spread area (reservoirs, major irrigation and long seasonal tanks, short seasonal tanks and ponds). The inland fisherman population is about 2.23 lakh. About 5,000 ha. are being utilized for fresh water aquaculture. There are five fish seed production centres with an annual production potential of 402.5 million early fry and there are 33 fish seed rearing centres with capacity to produce 85 million fingerlings.

Introduction of aquaculture in reservoirs/PWD & Panchayat Tanks, excavated ponds, promotion of cage farming in open water bodies, integrated aquaculture practice with agriculture & livestock and promotion of brackish water shrimp/fish culture are the few key opportunities available for aquaculture in Tamil Nadu.

In addition to this, Government of Tamil Nadu has taken prudent initiatives viz., Multi-purpose farm ponds are being created under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) and suitable ponds are stocked with fish seed and feed supplied to farmers. Already, 2429 farm ponds with a total area of 98.86 ha. in delta districts and 148 farm ponds with a total area 6.73 ha. in non-delta districts were stocked and the anticipated production is 554 tonnes/crop. Farm ponds, if created in the prescribed dimension (1.5mX1.5mX1.5m) besides assuring increased production facilitates good growth of fishes.

Important initiatives of Government of Tamil Nadu are:-

Formation of District Fish Farmers Development Agency (DFDA) in all districts for popularizing fish culture in rural areas and extend training to fish farmers; Facilitation of leasing out of water bodies, leasing fishery



rights of 53 departmental reservoirs with an aim to increase in fish catch and better revenue; Extension of assistance for cage farming and aquaculture development through integrated approach through National Mission for Protein Supplement (NMPS) assistance and National Agricultural Development Project (NADP), fish seed production, fish production improvement like cage farming, aquaculture in farm ponds, intensive fish culture in irrigation tanks, provision of fishing implements, establishment of modern fish kiosk for marketing, commercial activity like ornamental fish culture unit imparting trainings under Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation and Water Bodies Restoration and Management Project. (IAMWARM) fisheries interventions viz and establishment of Nile Tilapia Breeding Centre at Krishnagiri and Amur Carp Breeding Centre in Poondi Fish farm and introduction of Short seasonal varieties like GIFT tilapia, Jayanthi Rohu, Amu carp and Pangasius SP.

Yet, the inland aquaculture sector is not able to produce viable technologies which could deliver adequate economic returns. Therefore, for making the inland aquaculture sector viable, it is inevitable that new, intensive and innovative culture systems suitable for various species and geographical locations of Tamil nadu are to be introduced. Few such farm-tested culture systems which can be adopted in the waterbodies of the State are : Raceways, Lined fish culture ponds and Inland Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) cages.

The production that has been estimated in the inland fisheries sector is not falling in line with the actual carrying capacity of the tropical water bodies. The carrying capacity of the tropical water bodies has been 500g per m3 and the presently calculated production is at 50g per m3. Even at the worst situations in the tropical climate, the productivity can be 200g per m3 leading to 2000 kg per ha. In Tamil Nadu, 0.37 million ha of freshwater area is available and if 50% of this area is considered useful for fish production purposes, with 0.2 kg per m3 production per annum there will be a production of 0.37 million tonnes. Presently just 50% of the potential has been realized in the State.

In Tamil Nadu, if the existing resources are properly utilized with adoption of suitable technology in the fish farming, the open waters



can yield as high as 2.0 tonnes fish per ha. Moreover, approximately 0.40 million tonnes of fish production is possible per annum from the available resources. Short and long term seasonal tanks available in the State are the major contributors for fish production (up to 82%) wherein cage farming is possible for increasing the fish production to 0.3 million tonnes. The State has nearly 2.0 lakh inland fisherfolk depending on the inland fisheries and they can be provided with assured revenue and employment by adopting fish farming in the inland water bodies.

The State Planning Commission has conducted a workshop on Development of Inland Fisheries in Tamil Nadu under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman, SPC on 10.02.2014 with an objective to design strategies for increasing the inland fish production in the State, in which stakeholders viz., department officials, scientists, fish technocrats, exporters, members of fisheries cooperatives, entrepreneurs, SHG members and fish farmers participated.



Session - I Status and Prospects of Inland Fisheries in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu ranks eighth place in Inland fisheries production in the Country (0.185 million tonnes in 2011), though potential exists for increasing the fish catch upto 4.50 lakh tonnes. Tamil Nadu has an Effective Water Spread Area (EWSA) of 3.73 lakh hectare under inland water fisheries resources which comprises of rivers & canals (7200km), reservoirs (0.52 l.ha.), tanks & ponds (2.56 l.ha.), derelict waters (0.07 l.ha.) and brackish water (0.59 l.ha.). Total fish production (both Marine and Inland) of Tamil Nadu is 0.635 million tonnes whereas the country’s production is 8.67 million tonnes.

Table 1. Total fish production India & Tamil Nadu - 2011 (In Million tonnes)

Details India Tamil Nadu

Total Fish Production (Marine & Inland) 8.67 0.635

Marine 3.37 0.450

Inland 5.30 0.185

Export Fish and Fishery Products (Qty) 0.862 0.860

Export Fish and Fishery Products (Value)

Rs. 16,597 crore

Rs. 3,332 Crore

Source : Handbook of Fisheries Statistics 2011 & MPEDA

In the context of shrinkage of land area available for agriculture i.e., declining net

sown area from 58.0 L.Ha (1950-51) to 48.0 L Ha. (2011-12) fisheries come in handy for food and nutritional security by providing necessary protein to the people. Tamil Nadu has to go a long way in achieving the full possible potential of inland fishery resources and the current production of 0.185 million tonnes is very low and hence, there is great potential for increasing the production in inland sector. Moreover, the annual per capita consumption of fishes in Tamil Nadu (9.00 kg) is much less than the National average of 11.50 kg (2010), whereas the recommended per capita fish consumption stood at 13.00 kg. Thus, there exists a need to increase the productivity of fisheries sector and inland fisheries in particular in Tamil Nadu. Hence, the State Government is taking efforts to promote fish culturing which is at nascent stage in the State.

Source: Handbook of Fisheries Statistics 2011 & MPEDA



The opportunities available for aquaculture in Tamil Nadu are : introduction of aquaculture in reservoirs/PWD & Panchayat tanks, excavated ponds, promotion of cage farming in open water bodies, integrated aquaculture practice with agriculture & livestock and promotion of brackish water shrimp/fish culture.

Various strategies proposed for improving inland fish production are:

• Expansion in area of fish culture throughstocking of all culturable water bodies by leasing, licensing, share fishing and introduction of fish culture in Multi Purpose farm ponds/water recharge ponds;

• Expansion by increasing stocking density& improving survival through improved aeration, supply of quality feed material, water quality management and disease prevention programme;

• Introductionofshortseasonalfishvarietieslike Gift Tilapia, Amur carp, Pangasius and Jayanthi Rohu;

• Practicing of improved culture methodswith low cost models to increase unit productivity by cage culture, closed & semi closed recirculation culture method, sewage fed fish culture, integrated fish farming with poultry, piggery & cattle and biomass based fish culture;

• Development of farm made fish feeds toreduce input cost as feed form 60-70% of input cost – use of organic manure to improve plankton & feeding;

• Development of hatcheries / seed rearingcentres with proper technology through brood stock development programme, development of improved strains of established fish species, establishment of multi species breeding centers and backyard hatcheries, establishment of earthen fish seed rearing units and fish seed rearing in cages/pens;

• Promoting ornamental fish culture as acommercial activity and

• Providing bio-security arrangementthrough disease prevention measures and treatment,

Fish Culture in Multi Purpose Farm Ponds

Multi-purpose farm ponds are being created under MNREGS and suitable ponds are stocked with fish seed and feed supplied to farmers. Already, 2429 farm ponds with a total area of 98.86 ha. in delta districts and 148 farm ponds with a total area 6.73 ha. in non-delta districts were stocked and the anticipated production is 554 tonnes/crop. Farm ponds if created in the prescribed dimension (1.5mX1.5mX1.5m), besides assuring increased



production facilitates good growth of fishes. These ponds can well be included in integrated farming system.

Cage culturing

Cages can be put in sea and inland water resources. The advantages in cage culture are : occupying less space, scope for high stocking, permitting effective and easy monitoring of disease in fishes. In cage culturing, fish stocking density ranges between 40-60 per cu.m.

Fish Seed Production/Fish Seed Rearing Centres Government - Infrastructure

There are 5 fish seed production centres (Bhavanisagar in Erode District, Mettur in Salem district, Manimuthar in Tirunelveli

district., Karanthai in Thanjavur district and Sathanur in Thiruvannamalai district) with a combined capacity of 350 million and fish seed rearing centres with a capacity of 60 million in 28 rearing farms in 19 districts covering 15 ha rearing area are functioning in the State.

Initiatives to improve the fish production

• Formation of District Fish FarmersDevelopment Agency (DFDA) in all districts except Chennai & The Nilgiris for popularizing fish culture in rural areas and extend training to fish farmers. Assistance to FFDA farmers with subsidy is provided for construction of new ponds/tanks, reclamation/renovation of ponds, inputs, fish seed hatchery, establishing fish feed unit and ornamental fish breeding unit.

• Through leasing of water bodies, leasingfishery rights of 53 departmental reservoirs is facilitated with an aim to increase in fish catch and better revenue.

• UnderNADP,fundsareprovidedtopromoteanimal based protein production and under National Mission for Protein Supplement (NMPS) assistance is extended for cage farming and aquaculture development through integrated approach. 48 cages have been deployed in Poondi & Thoppaiyar Reservoirs and Integrated Aquaculture Units (2 Units at Thanjavur and 1 Unit at Thiruvarur) with components of seed production centre, seed rearing ponds, grow out ponds, farm inputs, feed mill and marketing infrastructure have been established. These units can produce 16 million fingerlings per annum.



• Under IAMWARM Project, fisheriesinterventions viz fish seed production, fish production improvement like cage farming, aquaculture in farm ponds, intensive fish culture in irrigation tanks, provision of fishing implements, establishment of modern fish kiosks for marketing, commercial activity like ornamental fish culture unit imparting trainings and establishment of Nile Tilapia Breeding Centre at Krishnagiri & Amur Carp Breeding Centre in Poondi Fish farm have been undertaken. About 77,880 ha. of irrigation water spread

to be stocked and 150 ha. water spread to be covered through farm pond fish culture. Through these interventions 22500 MT harvest is expected.

• IntroductionofShortseasonalvarietieslikeGIFT tilapia, Jayanthi Rohu, Amu carp and Pangasius Sp.

• Through National Fisheries DevelopmentBoard (NFDB) funds, various activities to the tune of Rs.138.44 lakh and Rs.171.78 lakh have been undertaken in 2011-12 and 2012-13 respectively.



Although India is blessed with diversified inland water bodies abundantly comprising reservoirs, lakes, riverine systems, tanks, ponds, etc, inland aquaculture is yet to develop fully to its potential. The prime factors responsible for this state of affairs are : inadequate skill in inland aquaculture practices among fish farmers; lack of confidence among fish farmers to implement innovative aquaculture technologies; reluctance in accepting new species and advanced culture systems and collective failure of all concerned for showcasing effective and viable technologies to the fish farming community. Further, the inland aquaculture sector is not able to produce viable technologies which could deliver adequate economic returns. Therefore, for the inland aquaculture sector to deliver, it is inevitable that new, intensive and innovative culture systems suitable for various species and geographical locations are be introduced. Few such farm-tested culture systems which can be adopted in our water bodies are discussed below.

i. Raceways

ii. Lined fish culture ponds

iii. Inland FRP cages

Session - II Innovative Aquaculture Systems To enhance Inland Fish Production

I. Raceways

An advanced management strategy has been developed to increase juvenile fish survival and production predictability through raceway rearing of juveniles and then growing them in Limited Water Exchange Growout (LWEG) ponds for further culture period. It has been proved that raceways with limited / zero water exchange can be used to raise fish as a full crop or in a two phase systems, in order to help to minimize the crop loss

Fish farming technology is currently taking up an entirely new dimension with biosecured nurseries, super intensive floc- driven culture systems, zero water exchange and integration with constructed wetlands. More specifically, the system comprises a synergistic interaction between algae and bacterial population in an aqueous medium



for in-situ waste treatment and the production of a live nutrition source, free from pathogens and an adaptable nutrition source to support water quality and prevents the buildup of toxins.

• Forbettersurvivalandyieldoffish,racewaysare built under a green house system.

• Zero limited water exchange system inthe race ways enhance fish production. The concept of zero-exchange refers to a system wherein new aqueous medium is introduced into the system only to replenish water lost for physical reasons, specifically evaporation and experimental sampling and not for chemical or biological dilution.

• Thesystemissufficientlyisolatedtopreventthe introduction of pathogens to the microbial population and in the presence of a zero-exchange during the entire growout cycle. When combined these individual components form a balanced system, wherein the fish growth rate will be increased by 100% to 500%, compared to “clean water” systems, and provides low cost production of high quality, disease free and commercially desirable fishes.

• Bioremediation using microbial, algaland fermented product supplements as a concentrate. The principle is that to use selected microorganisms outside the host to create the healthy environment. Bacillus sp, Vibrio sp, Nitrosomonas sp, Nitrobacter sp, Rhodopseudomonas sp, Aerobacter aerogenosa, Cellulomonas biazotea,

Saccharomyces sp, and several other algae are biological agents recognized for their bioremediation abilities. Introducing active aerobic bacterial populations, algal inoculation as well as introduction of indigenous fermented products could be an effective strategy in rapid degradation of complex organic compounds and overall improvement of health status of cultured organisms.

• The aqueousmedium is usually thewaterin the culture system. The building block of the aqueous growth medium is specific pathogen free water.

Design and construction of raceway farm complex

Major components of a raceway system:

i. Raceway tanks

ii. Green house structure for raceways

iii. Storage and mixing tanks

iv. Filtration systems (Biological filter, U.V. and Pressure sand filters)

v. Generator, Blowers and Paddle wheel aerators

vi. Indoor and outdoor algal culture facilities

vii. Farm Laboratory

viii. Water and pumping facility

xi. Limited water exchange grow out systems

Species suitable for raising in Raceways are Gold, Koi, Cichlids, Scampi, etc.



Preparation of fermented product for raceway system

Materials such as flour, jaggery, molasses and yeast are used in the fermentation process. The yeast is boiled in the water and then added to the other mixtures prepared in the fermentation tank. The required amount of water is added and sufficient aeration is provided overnight. The fermented mixture is then added to the raceway tanks.

II. Lined fish culture ponds

Earthen ponds, conventionally used for fish farming have several disadvantages viz. continuous water seepage; complications with soil-water chemistry which have not been understood properly till date; difficulties in determining the causes of water quality related problems; organic load accumulation which cannot be removed during culture; and unavoidable reduction in aeration efficiency and a huge energy loss.

Lined ponds, on the other hand, have many advantages. The advantages: the seepage can be arrested, pumping cost is reduced, complications due to soil-water interactions can be avoided and for undertaking advanced farming practices (flocculent, green water, etc.) lined ponds are more suitable. The slightly higher initial investment will be largely compensated for by the huge advantages in terms of net profit. Lining needs to be done with a material that is long lasting and cost-effective. A wide range of materials have been tested and found certain materials such as silpaulin (LDPE. Rs. 2.0 / m2 and SFF liner (HDPE-. Rs. 4-5 / m2) are more effective.

III. Inland FRP cages

Cages for inland water bodies made up of FRP were tried for inland aquaculture practices. Box type FRP cages with the dimension of 2 x 2 x 1.5m depth would cost around Rs, 8,000/-. Such small cages are ideal for raising ornamental fish breeders. Multi-shaped FRP cage - The multi-shaped FRP cage is fabricated in pieces so that it can be fixed with joints in different sizes and shapes. The provision of a walkway around the cage enables farmers to walk on it and to manage the cage better. They are highly durable, with a life span upto 10 years. They are cost effective as the initial investment cost can be recovered within the first two years.



Conclusion

Raceways, lined ponds and cages are few intensive and innovative culture systems which can be adopted effectively in inland water bodies to raise fish with good economic returns. Choosing suitable high-value fishes for farming and using technically-advanced culture systems and Better Management Practices (BMPs) can go a long way towards providing a much needed boost to India’s inland aquaculture sector.

1. Inland Raceway System

2. SFF liner (400 gsm) ponds

3. Multi-shaped FRP floating cage



Tamil Nadu has a bountiful natural resources with regard to fisheries development and if properly managed and maintained, it can yield a long term sustainable production for the benefit of the people of the State. The State has both inland and marine fishery resources with 1076 KM long coastline and 608 marine fishing villages. There is a vast extent of freshwater and brackish water resources constituting the inland fishery resources in the State.

Totally 3,73,696 ha of inland water bodies are available made up of 61 reservoirs and short and long term seasonal ponds and tanks and brackish water areas. The State has carp spawning centres (8 Nos) owned by Govt and there are about 40 private hatcheries

that can also contribute for the seed supply and about 25 fish seed rearing centres are also supporting this work. One University exclusively for fisheries development has been established in the State for developing technical manpower in this sector along with taking up research and extension activities in the State for the development of fisheries sector.

Session III - Inland Fisheries - Potentials and Prospects



Potentials of Inland FisheriesThe following table gives the total inland fisheries resources available in the State and the

fish production reported during 2012-13 from the respective districts :

Table 2 : Inland Fish Production in Tamil Nadu -Districtwise.

Sl. No. Name of the District Inland water spread available (in Ha)

Fish production (in mt) (2012-13)

1. Chennai 240 45.15

2. Thiruvallur & Kancheepuram 48131 21408.65

3. Vellore 27674 20047.62

4. Villupuram & Thiruvannamalai 31777 1792.69

5. Dharmapuri 4433 2343.71

6. Cuddalore 28443 16656.03

7. Erode 8770 721.93

8. Nilgiris 5 4.30

9. Nagai, Thanjai & Thiruvarur 46706 17530.08

10. Trichy, Karur & Perambalur 3156 2065.3

11. Coimbatore 4870 1560.5

12. Salem, Krishnagiri & Namakkal 17717 2381.52

13. Dindugul 6375 2137.83

14. Pudukkottai 13078 8356.17

15. Madurai & Theni 25436 5849.98

16. Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai & Virudhunagar

79696 67007.83

17. Tirunelveli 11392 4780.86

18. Thoothukudi 4629 2110.66

19. Kanyakumari 11168 7222.66

TOTAL 373696 184023.32

TNFDC 730.10

Grand Total 184753.42

Source : TNFU, Nagapattinam



The following table gives the estimated fish productivity from the inland water resources of the State for 2012-13

Table 3 Inland Fish Productivity in TN

Sl.No Total available

water spread (in ha)

Total production

reported(in tonnes)

Fish productivity

(kg /ha)

1. 373696 184753.42 494

The production that has been estimated above is not falling in line with the actual carrying capacity of the tropical water bodies. The carrying capacity of the tropical water bodies has been 500g per m3 and the presently calculated production is at 50g per m3. Even at the worst situations in the tropical climate, the productivity can be 200g per m3 leading to 2000 kg per ha. In Tamil Nadu, 0.37 million ha of freshwater area is available and if 50% of this area is considered useful for fish production purposes, with 0.2 kg per m3 production per annum there will be a production of 0.37 million tonnes. Presently just 50% of the potential has been realized in the State.

Prospects of Inland Fisheries in the State

Inland fisheries in the State is a viable resource for maximizing the following benefits to the people:

1. If properly utilized with adoption of technology in the fish farming, the open waters can yield as high as 2 tonnes fish per ha.

2. Approximately 0.40 million tonnes of fish production per annum is possible from the available resources

3. Short and long term seasonal tanks available in the State are the major contributors for fish production (up to 82%) wherein cage farming is possible for increasing the fish production to 0.3 million tonnes.

4. There are 2.0 lakh inland fisherfolk depending on the inland fisheries in the State and they can be provided with assured revenue and employment by adopting fish farming in the inland water bodies

5. Supply of fish for food can be assured thereby the malnutrition can be prevented or minimized.

Under inland fisheries, aquaculture technologies like freshwater fish culture, composite carp culture, polyculture of fishes and crustaceans, freshwater crustacean culture, air-breathing fish culture, ornamental fish culture, Integrated farming, cage culture in reservoirs, freshwater pearl culture, cold water fish culture and waste water aquaculture can be practised for augmenting production and profit. These technologies can be adopted at varying intensity with different inputs. In open waters like lakes and tanks, cage culture is a promising enterprise for enhancing the production per unit area.



Representatives from fish farmers’ cooperatives, SHG members, ornamental fisheries exporters, fisheries technology association and Fish farmers from Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur and Thanjavur shared their successful aquaculture experience. Amoung them, Thiru J.Sivagnanam of Kattur village, Ponneri taluk, Tiruvallur district shared his success story of fish rearing and ornamental fish rearing. He owns 5 acres of land and agriculture is main livelihood of his family. Based on the suggestions and technical guidance of Fisheries Department officials, he reared Indian carps in one acre since 1996. The experience and success he gained in this avocation motivated him to expand the fish rearing and he established a small ornamental fish rearing unit in an additional one acre in the year 2000. His entire family is engaged in ornamental fish rearing and has been doing it as a profitable venture. The continued extension / guidance of fisheries department, and with the subsidy assistance of Rs.60,000/- from MPEDA he undertook fresh water aquaculture

in an additional area of 2.5 acre. The seamless delivery of technologies from Fisheries officials enabled him to reap a bumper harvest of 2500 kg of prawns per hectare for which he received award from the Government of India. With the profits from fish rearing, he bought additional lands and now has established a fish farm in an extent of 17.5 acres.

In this farm of 17.5 acres he carries out diversified fish culture viz., Indian fish carp rearing fresh water prawn & vannamei culture.

Thus the allied activity viz., fish culture besides providing a decent standard of living for his family, assured a sustainable livelihood. Further, it enabled him rise from an humble farmer to the position of an entrepreneur providing employment to many.

The dissemination of technical knowhow training and exposure visits extended by the Government made him the proud owner of many awards including GOI award for his success in this avocation.

Session IV - Success Sharing by Fish Farmers.



ReCoMMeNDATIoNS

• Farmers shall be given ample trainingon creation of cages with the available materials/ low cost & quality materials, proper laying of cages in the reservoirs/water resources and detection of disease in the fishes and its treatment.

• One of the main constraints in thefish production is the mismatch between demand and supply of fish seed. Vagaries of monsoon affect the availability of water for a longer period in the water bodies which is essential for stocking and breeding. This forces the farmers/growers to stock the advanced fingerlings instead of early fingerlings. If the farmers stock the early fingerlings and breeds it to advanced fingerlings, more income may be generated. Hence, a technology involving a short period of breeding viz months may be propagated by TNFU for better integration with farming.

• Linking of seed growers and lesseesof tanks should be more resolute for enhanced stocking

• Fish feed in the right mixture ofcarbohydrate, protein, fat and minerals play an important role in the healthy harvest of fishes. Development of farm made fish feeds to reduce input cost is the need of the hour as the cost of fish feed forms major cost component of fish production.

• Inspite of practicing of inland fisheriesand aquaculture from time immemorial, there have been bottlenecks in harvesting the optimum potential and these constraints should be identified and necessary solutions evolved.

• For increased production, the growersshould be trained in identification of diseases and prevention of diseases in the fishes. Ensuring disease free health of fishes through feed will be more effective. Hence, similar to the mineral mixture of TANUVAS for the livestock/cattle, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University should evolve systemwise, culturewise feed mix production. The funds under SBGF for this may be dovetailed.

• Synchronization of Water ResourcesDepartment and Fisheries Department is essential for holistic water management and release of water in consultation with fisheries department for fisheries development.

• As reservoirs contribute 1% in theharvest, more focus shall be on culturing in Panchayat tanks, Minor Irrigation tanks. Hence, watershed maps shall be prepared by the department for leasing for culturing. While leasing panchayat tanks for this purpose, to incentivize the panchayats, the income generated from the lease may be appropriated to the concerned panchayats.



• List of abandoned quarries shall alsobe prepared and an action plan for fish rearing may be worked out.

• As the management, ownership &licensing vest with various departments, documentation of leasing and its income will provide the required data base to plan for the further development of fisheries in the years to come

• Water being the basic resource forfisheries, and it being a scarce, technology based nursery / aquaculture will be an apt solution for increasing production. Funds of National Fisheries Development Board may be utilised for evolving such technology.

• As the harvest depend upon thewaterholding capacity of the water bodies, data on siltation in the water bodies is necessary for any perspective plan for the development of fisheries.

• Similar to the yield competition awardfor paddy growers in agriculture, the successful farmer showing higher harvest of fishes may be incentivized with award and cash prize.

• As “Seeing is belief” principle plays animportant role in boosting the attitude of the farmers, more educational tours for them and documentation of success stories of the farmers should be undertaken.

• Regarding mass multiplication of NileTilapia, it is suggested for establishing Nile Tilapia hatchery by Government to ensure production and supply of all male quality seed. Approximately 1.8 ha suitable land area will be required for setting up all facilities for producing 4.0 million sex reversed tilapia fry. (enough to produce 1,200 tonnes of fish). In the reservoirs, setting up of ‘Tilapia Parks’ can be considered.

• Also,atrialintensivecultureoftilapiawithrecycling of water is worth attempting. Besides, a focused propagation campaign for promoting Tilapia among consumers may be done for enhancing its consumer base. However, necessary care should be bestowed on bio-security issues.



LIST oF PARTICIPANTS

S.No. Name & Designation

1 Tmt. Santha Sheela Nair, I.A.S. (Retd.),Vice Chairperson,State Planning Commission, Chennai – 5.

2 Thiru. M. Balaji, I.A.S.,Member - Secretary,State Planning Commission, Chennai – 5.

3 Dr. S. Vijayakumar, IAS.,Secretary to Government,Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries Department, Chennai –9.

4 Thiru. C.Munianathan, IAS.,Director of Fisheries, Chennai -6

5 Dr. Baskaran Manimaran,Vice Chancellor,Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Nagapattinam –1

6 Thiru. G. Sugumar,Dean (i/c),Fisheries College, Toothukudi.

7 The Director,Central Institute of Brackish Water Aquaculture, Chennai –28

8 Dr. M. Nagoor Meeran,Director, i/c,Institute of Fisheries Technology, TNFU, Nagapattinam.

9 Dr. S. Noorjahan Beevi,Joint Director of Fisheries,O/o. Director of Fisheries, Chennai – 6.

10 Thiru. S. Jude Armstrong,General Manager,Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation, Chennai.



11 Tmt. N. Chandra,Joint Director of Fisheries / Administrator,TAFCOFED, Chennai.

12 Prof. S. Felix,Professor & Head,Fisheries Research and Extension Centre,Tamil Nadu Fisheries University,Madhavaram, Chennai – 51.

13 Dr. R. Jayaraman,Professor & Head,Department of Fish Economics and Management,Fisheries College & Research Institute, Thoothukudi-8.

14 Dr. J. Stephen Sampath Kumar,Professor (Aquaculture ),Fisheries College & Research Institute, Thoothukudi -8.

15 Dr. K. R. Jahanmohan,Head of Division(Agriculture Policy & Planning),State Planning Commission, Chennai – 5.

16 Dr. A.R. Thirunavukkarasu,Principal Scientist,Central Institute of Brackish water Aquaculture, Chennai – 25.

17 Dr. P. Ravichandran,Principal Scientist, CIBA, Chennai – 28.

18 Thiru. R. elamparithy,Deputy Director of Fisheries, Chennai.

19 Thiru. Julius edward,Assistant Director of Fisheries, Kancheepuram District.

20 Tmt. Uma Sugumar,Assistant Director of Fisheries, Thanjavur District.

21 Thiru. T.K. Sriraman,Assistant Director of Fisheries, Chennai.



22 Thiru R.K. Haroon,Sr.Planning Officer,State Planning Commission, Chennai – 5.

23 Ms. Premila Rajan,Director,Jodi Fisheries Pvt. Ltd., Chennai.

24 Thiru. N.Vs. Veeramaindhan,President, KOFCOS, Kolathur, Chennai – 99.

25 Thiru. M. Kathirvel,Secretary,The Fisheries Technocrats Forum, Chennai -6.

26 Thiru. V. Venkatesan,Retd. Director, MPEDA,Member,Fisheries Technocrats Forum, Chennai-6.

27 Thiru. Senthil Nathan,Farmer, Villupuram District, Gingee.

28 Thiru. Shanmugam,Farmer, Elavoor, Gummidipoondi

29 Thiru. J. Sivagnanam,(J.S.S) Aqua Farm,No.18, Kottur Village, Ponneri Taluk, Thiruvallur District.

state plannIng commIssIongovernment of tamil naduezhilagam, chepauk chennai – 600 005

development of inland fisheries

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