Rourkela: Despite facing constraints in water resources, the tribal-dominated Sundargarh district has made significant strides in fish production through the adoption of modern fishing techniques. In recent years, the district has seen a notable increase in fish production, signalling a positive trend in the local aquaculture industry.
With an annual procurement of approximately 3,700 tonnes of fish from various states for consumption, Sundargarh district has demonstrated remarkable progress by producing around 20,800 tonnes of fish in the fiscal year 2022-23. Encouraged by this upward trajectory, the district aims to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production within the next five years.
According to Sundargarh district fisheries officer Arun Kumar Sahoo, the rise in fish production can be attributed to the concerted efforts of the Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Department in promoting modern fish farming techniques among villagers. The department has been actively encouraging the adoption of pisciculture in open water bodies and facilitating initiatives such as cage culture and biofloc fish farming.
One noteworthy initiative involves empowering a women’s self-help group (WSHG) in Kuanrmunda block to practice cage culture at the Mandira dam of the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) in Rajgangpur block. Additionally, fresh work orders have been issued to 28 WSHGs and 19 individuals to establish biofloc fish farming units, further bolstering local fish production efforts.
Traditionally, inland fisheries in the district were limited, with fishing activities primarily undertaken by economically weaker sections for subsistence and local trade. However, the engagement of farmers in pisciculture has led to significant improvements in freshwater production over the years.
Given the seasonal variability and low water holding capacity of rivers, fish production in Sundargarh district is predominantly carried out in farm ponds, biofloc units, shallow waters of rivers, and irrigation dams. Presently, fish farming activities are underway in 4,500 private tanks, 2,284 gram panchayat tanks, and 10 revenue ponds, along with individual fishing in rivers.
The district also benefits from the participation of nine primary cooperative fishermen societies and 448 WSHGs involved in fish farming activities. Furthermore, 84 biofloc fish farming units contribute to the overall fish production landscape.
While government fish farms in Sadar and Bisra blocks play a crucial role in supplying spawns and fry for seasonal breeding, the government fish farm in Bonai is currently undergoing renovation. The district, with its vast potential, aims to further enhance its fish production capacity in collaboration with individual fishermen and community-based initiatives.
