Fish farming is also known as aquaculture. It has gained popularity as a profitable business in India in recent years. It is due to the growing demand for fish protein and the declining availability of wild-caught fish. This practice involves controlled fish cultivation in ponds, tanks, or other artificial water bodies.
To start a fish farming business and make it profitable needs planning, knowledge of the business and fish species. In this blog, we will discuss the important steps to embark on a successful fish farming journey in India.
The fish business requires careful planning beforehand. It requires initial investment, knowledge and training regarding the business and strategy to move ahead in fish farming step by step.
Fish farming setup costs in India can start from Rs. 50,00, and can go up depending on the scale of fish business in India. The benefits of fish farming come in the form of employment, economic support and others. Fish business or fish farming profit can vary from person to person.
Before you start fish farming, it is important to do research. This means you should learn about the different kinds of fish that can be farmed in your area.
In India, some common types are Rohu, Catla, Tilapia, and Pangasius. These fish need different things to grow well, like the right kind of water, the right temperature, and the right food.
After you decide on a type of fish to farm, you should make a plan for your business. This plan should have details about
The plan will help you be well-prepared and successful in your fish farming business.
Picking the best spot for cage fish farming ponds is important for your fish farming success. The efficient location of fish farming ponds also contributes to handling year-round production, ensuring a stable income stream. So,
Choosing the right water setup based on your space and money is important for fish farm management.
Source healthy fish seeds from reputable hatcheries to ensure a strong start of pisciculture. So,
Fish are vulnerable to various diseases, which can devastate your farm if not managed effectively. Well-fed and healthy fish will grow faster and command better market prices. So,
Harvesting time varies based on the fish species and the market demand. Fish can be harvested using nets or draining the ponds/tanks.
Government of India has been running many schemes to promote fish farming business in India. some of them are PM Matsya Yojana, Blue Revolution Scheme, and FIDF Scheme.
Launched in 2020, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana scheme aims to enhance fish production, increase fishermen's income, and generate employment opportunities in the fisheries sector.
It includes components related to infrastructure development, modernizing fisheries, enhancing production through sustainable aquaculture, and promoting processing and fish marketing.
The Blue Revolution Scheme was launched in the year 2014. It aimed to increase fish production from 11.41 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2016-17 to 17.50 MMT by 2021-22.
It seeks to increase fish productivity through activities like promoting integrated fish farming in India, enhancing seed production, providing technical support, and improving infrastructure.
The FIDF aims to fill the large gaps in fishing infrastructure and achieve a sustainable growth of 8-9 per cent to take the fish production level to 20 million tonnes by 2022-23.
The fish farming business is not free from challenges, which may come in the form of disease outbreak, water quality issue, and market fluctuations, among others.
Starting a profitable fish farming business in India requires training, knowledge, and strategic planning. By conducting thorough research, selecting suitable fish species, ensuring proper water management, and practising disease control, you can establish a successful venture that generates income and contributes to the sustainable production of fish protein. Remember that fish farming, like any business, requires ongoing learning and adaptation to thrive in a competitive market.