The introduction of closed mine-based fish farming in Rajnandgaon district has significantly increased the production of fish species like Pangasius and Tilapia. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), two closed mines have been converted into thriving aquaculture hubs at a cost of $0.8 million, producing approximately three tons of fish per cage. These fish are now ready to be supplied nationwide, strengthening fish markets and contributing to the blue economy.

This initiative has created jobs for over 150 individuals, with women earning $70-90 monthly. The government’s subsidy of 40–60% under PMMSY has further enabled fish farmers to adopt the advanced cage culture method, which not only ensures a healthy environment for fish rearing but also reduces the risk of infections. The technique has proven to save time and costs while substantially increasing production levels.

In a mine in Joratarai, 162 unit cages were installed at a cost of $0.54 million, demonstrating the model’s scalability and effectiveness. This effort has turned disused water bodies into centres of economic activity, improving livelihoods and optimising water resource use.

In 2023, Chattisgarh reported a fish production of 652,000 metric tons, a substantial increase from 591,000 metric tons the previous year. This remarkable achievement highlights the state’s growing influence as a leader in sustainable aquaculture, inspiring similar initiatives across the India.

By leveraging innovative practices, Chattisgarh is setting an example of how targeted investments in aquaculture can drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social development in rural areas.

The post Chattisgarh blue economy initiatives revolutionise India’s fisheries sector appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

In integrated aquaculture-agriculture (IAA), fish, prawns, and shrimp are farmed alongside rice, vegetables, and fruit. 

In the study report, it was found that only 44% of the farms involved in aquaculture also produced other agricultural products. Besides growing paddy, vegetables, fruits, and shrimps, these firms also grow fish, prawns, and shrimps.

In Bangladesh, subsistence farming (nowadays transformed by mechanization and commercial agriculture) provides a continuous, reliable, and balanced supply of nutritious foods. Due to seasonal, irregular, and uncertain income and employment of farmers, single-crop production enterprises are subject to a high level of risk and uncertainty. It is for this reason that aquaculture-agriculture farming has a great deal of importance.

Through Aqua-agri, many problems can be overcome, including economic and even ecological constraints.  Furthermore, in comparison to traditional farming, aqua-agri has a higher profit potential and can get farmers’ economic conditions back on track faster.

Researchers have also determined which integrated agriculture models are most and least profitable. Analysis of the models led to the calculation of economic productivity per hectare per year.

It has been found that the most profitable model is to integrate fish, prawns, and shrimp farming with paddy, vegetable, and fruit farming. A farm of this type earns USD 4,379 per hectare per year.

Farmers who integrate fish and prawn farming with paddy, vegetables, and fruits earn USD 3,947. Integrated farming of fish with paddy has been the least economically productive model and earns USD 1,249, while integrated farming with fish, vegetables, and fruits earns USD 1,335.

The study also found that, among aquatic food combinations, fish is the most common at 39%, followed by fish, prawns, and shrimp at 29%, fish and prawns at 26%, and fish and shrimp at 8%. 

Furthermore, it was found that 96% of the households studied produced some carp species, 83% produced unstocked fish, 82% produced other stocked fish, and 59% produced crustaceans.

There is no doubt that IAA plays a significant role in the economy of rural areas. By engaging in IAA systems, family incomes can be increased and food security can be achieved in the rural areas of the country.

Its sustainability is, however, threatened by several factors, including high production costs, limited raw material supplies, inadequate institutional support, and inadequate extension services. 

Additionally, researchers found that IAA models do not work in high-salinity areas, but they are effective in low- and medium-salinity areas.

It is clear that IAA’s prospects are promising, but it will require determination to maximize its potential. In order for this integration to be realized, a wide range of investments and initiatives will have to be made by both the public and private sectors.

Experts suggest that integrated fish farming ventures should be promoted throughout the country to increase the food supply. Consequently, it is imperative to provide farmers and related groups with technical assistance along with institutional and policy support for sustainable IAA systems.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

The post Over half of fish farms miss out on Aqua-Agri synergy and opportunity to maximizing the profit appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

It’s no different in Bangladesh, solar power has been deployed in commercial and residential purpose as well. Now for the first time in the country, a fish farm showed a classic example of the food-energy nexus.

Located in the Chapainawabganj district, 302 KM away from the capital, the solar fish farm represents a significant stride in the nation’s solar energy expansion efforts. Spanning an impressive area of 22,000 square meters, the Joules Nawab Floating solar plant project features multiple solar panels mounted on specially designed floating platforms within a human-made pond.

This innovative initiative enables the production of clean energy while utilizing previously dedicated fish farming water bodies. With the successful integration of floating solar panels, electricity generation occurs without compromising the existing fish farming activities. The implementation of this solar fish farm project aligns with Bangladesh’s commitment to meeting sustainable development goals and combating climate change.

Recently connected to the national grid, the floating solar power plant boasts a production capacity of 2.30 megawatts, marking a significant milestone in expanding the country’s solar energy portfolio. The venture required an investment of approximately 1.5 million U.S. dollars and utilizes equipment from renowned Chinese and German firms. The floaters, provided by Chinese Sungrow, are combined with solar panels from Chinese JA Solar and inverters from German SMA Solar Technology.

Nasrul Hamid, the Bangladeshi State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, took to social media to announce the plant’s integration into the national grid. Hamid expressed enthusiasm over the successful combination of fish farming and electricity generation, highlighting the authorities’ commitment to closely monitoring the reservoir’s ecosystem. Should the project prove environmentally sustainable, similar initiatives are expected to be implemented across various reservoirs nationwide.

Md Mizanur Rahman, an engineer for Joules Power Ltd. (JPL), emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, stating that the company partnered with Nawab Auto Rice Mill to establish the floating solar power plant. With a capacity of 800 kilowatts, the floating plant supplements additional solar panels installed on rooftops. The electricity generated from the plant is primarily consumed by Nawab Auto Rice Mill, with any excess power being fed into the national grid.

Careful consideration is being given to the impact on fish, given the primary purpose of the reservoir being fish farming. According to Abdul Momin, an administrative officer of Nawab Group, which operates 50 ponds for fish farming, initial observations and analyses show no detrimental effects on the fish or the environment caused by the floating solar panels.

This milestone in sustainable energy production and aquaculture showcases Bangladesh’s commitment to a greener future. By leveraging the power of the sun and effectively harmonizing it with fish farming practices, this sets a precedent for others seeking innovative and eco-friendly solutions to meet their energy needs.

The post Bangladesh’s pioneering “solar fish farm” powers mill, national grid appeared first on Seafood Network BD.