Small-scale aquaponic model for fish and plant production

Aquaculture diversification practices are the need of the hour towards the path of sustainability and resilience in the archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar. Commercial freshwater fish farming remains a niche area for development with a scope for better market and local demand. However, the sector is mostly relying on pond-based farming which in turn is already facing range of issues such as seed unavailability, improper feeding practices, water scarcity at times, etc. In this background a small-scale recirculatory aquaponic unit was developed and the unit basically functions as a zero-water exchange model which can be used a backyard farming model as well as for recreational purposes for culture of ornamental fishes in indoor conditions. The model basically employs the culture of candidate ornamental fishes such as silver barb, gold fishes and koi carps along with plants such as Broad dhaniya. The nutrient rich water from the rectangular FRP fish tanks is pumped and used as a natural fertilizer for plants and in turn the plants raised in gravels helps in filtering and purifying the water and recirculates the water back to the fish culture unit. The culture model can generate better income with the culture of candidate ornamental fishes such as Gold fish and Koi carps which has lucrative market demand in the Islands and are also highly preferred by aquarium hobbyist. The plants and fishes can be harvested seasonally and can be utilized for domestic purposes as well as sale in local market.

Benefit:The unit can be a recreational model as well as small-scale commercial model for production of ornamental fishes as well as plants. The system involves zero water exchange and can be best suited for Island conditions.

Source : Contact person with Name, Designation e-mail and phone no: R Kiruba Sankar, Scientist, Division of Fisheries Science rkiruba.sankar@icar.gov.in; Mob. 9531830514