Fisheries Department’s Winter Aquaculture Advisory

• Fisheries Department advised to  Fish farmers a maintain water level in ponds at 6-7 feet and adjust fish feed based on temperature

Chandigarh, December 30: updatepunjab : As the winter has set in, the Punjab Fisheries department has issued an advisory to sensitise fish farmers of the state on how to handle the cold-blooded aquatic animals that require special care during this season.

Keeping in the view of drop in temperature during the winter season, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said, the state’s fish farmers are advised to maintain the water level in ponds at 6-7 feet so as to provide enough space to the fish for hibernating in the warmer bottom zone.

Additionally, farmers have also been advised to adjust fish feed based on the temperature, reduce or discontinue the use of organic feed as excess feed remains unconsumed and starts accumulating at the bottom of the pond leading to deterioration of the water quality. It recommended to add fresh water or use aerators in ponds to address oxygen deficiency in the morning, besides, ensuring regular monitoring of the water pH level in the pond.

The Cabinet Minister emphasised the necessity for fish farmers to keep the oxygen tablets or powder at their farms. Furthermore, it also recommended the use of 400 ml per acre of CIFAX in ponds to protect fish exposed to a higher risk of parasitic diseases like fin rot, gill rot, EUS and argulosis during the winter season.

Algal blooms, which appear due to the presence of excess nutrients in the water, can be controlled by application of potassium permanganate (KMn04) at the rate of 1-2KG / acre, according to the advisory