As the winter season takes hold, the Punjab Fisheries Department has issued guidelines to educate fish farmers in the state on the special requirements for the care of cold-blooded aquatic species during this period.
With an anticipation of decreasing temperatures, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, the Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries in Punjab, stressed the significance of maintaining pond water levels at 6-7 feet. This precaution ensures sufficient space for fish to hibernate in the warmer depths of the pond.
Farmers are urged to adapt fish feed according to the prevailing temperature, with a suggestion to decrease or suspend the use of organic feed to prevent the accumulation of excess feed at the pond’s bottom, which can adversely affect water quality. The guidelines propose the addition of fresh water or the use of aerators to address morning oxygen deficiencies. Regular monitoring of water pH levels is also advised.
Minister Khuddian underscored the importance of fish farmers having oxygen tablets or powder readily available at their farms. Furthermore, the guidelines recommend the application of 400 ml per acre of CIFAX in ponds to protect fish from parasitic diseases such as fin rot, gill rot, EUS, and argulosis, which are more prevalent during the winter season.
To counteract algal blooms resulting from excess nutrients in the water, the guidelines suggest the application of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) at a rate of 1-2KG per acre. This comprehensive set of guidelines aims to assist fish farmers in ensuring the well-being of their aquatic stock during the winter months.
