Carp seed production for rural aquaculture at Sarakana village in Orissa: a case study.

Abstract

AbstractThis case study deals with successful attempts of carp seed production by the rural poor for aquaculture development in Sarakana village, Khurda district, Orissa, India. A participatory approach was used for problem identification, constraints prioritization and needs-based problem-solving, and technology implementation. Carp breeding was initiated with common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in 1987. In the following years, induced breeding of rohu (Labeo rohita), mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) and catla (Catla catla) was introduced and a total of 239, 261 and 95 sets of species were bred, respectively. The successful experience in profitable carp breeding sustained the interest of the farmers so that they bred fish every year and this led to a rising trend in spawn production from 0.35 in 1987 to 21.3 million in 1997. A total quantity of 1118.6 kg of female brood fish could be utilized producing 70.9 million spawn in 11 years. Fry and fingerling production technologies were demonstrated in the rural area using small ponds of 0.02-0.10 ha during 1987-97, totalling 80 cases under different management practices. In 11 years, the production of 15.94 million fry and 1.88 million fingerlings made the neighbouring villages self-sufficient in terms of seed. The estimated net income from spawn production was Rs.207 246 (US$4820) and the return on expenditure was 274%, whereas from seed raising the net income was Rs.606 550 (US$14 106) and the average return on expenditure was 131%. The analysis of the present cases suggests that the adoption of carp seed production technology by the farmers was techno-economically viable, sustainable and employment generating. It had a visible impact on the biophysical and socioeconomic conditions of the village. Success motivated other farmers to undertake seed production and carp culture. The response of the rural poor in adopting the technology of carp seed production and culture has been very positive. About 2500 participants were trained in the technology following the 'Farmer-Led-Farmer Approach' at the village without jeopardizing local ecosystems. The farm has become the focal point of training activities and a number of satellite units of seed production and carp culture have developed in the area.