Freshwater prawn aquaculture: Prospects in U.P

Abstract

Uttar Pradesh is rich in freshwater fish biodiversity and shares about 14.68% of the total fish biodiversity in India. The main fisheries resources comprise of rivers, ponds, canals, irrigation, all fields, reservoirs etc. Rivers and canals encompass a total length of about 3945km. There are 251 hectares in the state for quality fish seed production. In freshwater aquaculture, prawns are potential candidates. Out of the 200 species of freshwater prawns, M. rosenbergii is most favourable cultured species due to its rapid growth and high demand in markets. Uttar Pradesh has ideal conditions for freshwater prawn aquaculture but it is not being utilized for sustainable culture. Smaller freshwater prawns “a untapped resource” may also be used for freshwater aquaculture. In the present study, an attempt has been made to review the current status of freshwater prawn aquaculture in Uttar Pradesh and and locally available freshwater prawns, M. lamarrei and M. dayanum as potential candidate for land locked state like U.P.