Contemporary aquaculture and management practices in abhaynagar upazila, jessore, Bangladesh

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the current situation of aquaculture practices in Abhaynagar upazila, Bangladesh. All data were collected from 50 fish farmers randomly for four months through personal interview and participatory rural appraisal (PRA). Results revealed that 70% farmers cultured Indian major carps (Polyculture), 26% Freshwater prawn with carps and 4% cultured tilapia (Monoculture). Average pond size was 0.8 ha and depth 2.5–3.0 feet. 20% of aquaculture land was leased at BDT 30,000/ha/yr. Doses of fertilizers (kg/ha) varied from 6,000-8,000 for cow dung, 75-100 urea, 50-70 TSP. Stocking season was May to June (average 30,000 fingerlings/ha). Dominated species were Rohu (14%), Mrigal (13%), Silver carp (16%), Mirror carp (12%) and Tilapia (11%). For supplemental feeding rice bran (2500 kg/ha), oilcake (450 kg/ha) and wheat bran (500 kg/ha) were used. November to January was the harvesting period (average production 1990 kg/ha/yr). Major constraints identified were high feed-labor-transportation cost, lack of capital and technical knowledge that are to be addressed to enhance fish production.