Paramasivam, a forward-thinking farmer from Budur village near Orathanadu in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district, has garnered attention for his pioneering approach to fish farming, emphasizing sustainability and integration with other agricultural activities. Serving as the state vice-president of the Tamil Nadu Fish Growers Association, Paramasivam has dedicated 16 acres of land to organic fish farming, utilizing 24 purpose-built ponds.
Over the course of 23 years, Paramasivam has not only successfully managed this innovative farming method but has also actively trained fellow farmers in the process. In a recent media interaction, he highlighted the potential of integrating fish farming into one acre of land, allowing for the cultivation of additional crops like coconuts and the rearing of livestock such as goats, cows, and chickens—creating a diverse source of income.
Paramasivam emphasized the importance of maintaining a pH level of 7.5 in the water for successful fish farming, regardless of the district. Proper pond management, soil fertility preservation, and providing direct sunlight by orienting the pond from east to west are crucial aspects of his approach. He also stressed the significance of regular feeding schedules for the fish, with the entire process from cultivating fingerlings to harvest taking approximately 10 months.
An alternative method involves placing 100 grams of chicks in the pond, expediting the harvest within a few months. With one acre, Paramasivam can raise up to 6 thousand chicks. Notably, one ton of fish typically requires about one and a half tons of feed, but maintaining clean water and soil can help reduce this cost. Paramasivam also highlighted the use of blue nectar for enhanced farming outcomes.
Advocating the use of probiotics in the pond for waste digestion, Paramasivam emphasized the importance of regular monitoring of fish weight. Adjustments to feed portions are made as needed to achieve a 2 per cent increase in body weight. He cautioned against excessive continental feed dumping, as it may lead to the wastage of soil and water resources, ultimately affecting fish growth. In this innovative farming method, natural sources contribute to 80 per cent of the fish’s nutritional intake, reflecting a sustainable and integrated approach to agriculture and aquaculture.
Source: NEWS 18