Carp fattening, known as the large fish production system, a popular and profitable technique has become popular among the fish farmers in Shariatpur.
Local sources said the fish farmers are profiting by fattening fish using the carp fattening method. Carp fattening has become a means of changing the fate of farmers. Hundreds of pond owners are profiting commercially as the carp fattening method produces three times more fish in a short time than the normal method.
The method is being implemented by the Shariatpur Development Society (SDS), a non-governmental organisation, with the financial and technical support of the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). Fish farmers have started fattening fish using the carp fattening method through a total of 100 exhibitions in the district. In addition to distributing various fish farming materials, farmers are provided with training and advice. Many have succeeded in fattening fish and earned more profit by taking financial assistance and advice.
In this method, a certain amount of fish fry is put in the pond. However, fish weighing less than 400 to 500 grams are not put in the pond. Fish fry above 500 grams are put in. After a year, the fish grow with proper care. This method can produce large-sized fish in a short time. Since this method requires thinning the fish, 15 to 20 fry are released per cent.
Swapan Khan, a fish farmer from Char Koraltali area of Bhedarganj upazila, said, "The amount of money we used to earn by selling small fish used to cover our pond expenses, fish fry, food, etc. Later, on the advice of the SDS fisheries officer, I started fattening the fish using the carp fattening method. Along with financial assistance, he was given various fish materials. I have fish weighing 3 to 4 kg in my pond. This year, this fish farmer is hopeful of earning six to seven lakh Taka after deducting all expenses from the 200 per cent pond."
Swapan Khan, a fish farmer from Damudya Islampur area, said, "The demand for large fish in the market is much higher. As a result, the price is also good. I have cultivated large fish in my two bigha pond. The price is lower if I sell fish weighing less than 2 kg. So I sell fish weighing 3 to 4 kg for 300 to 400 Taka.
Now I am very profitable by selling big fish.”
Mohidul of Bhedarganj Chhaygaon area said that there is no demand for small fish in the market. If large-sized fish are left and sold after being fattened, a very good price is obtained. Apart from getting good prices, less food is also needed in the pond.
SDS's Fisheries Officer Md. Anwar Hossain said that there is a huge demand for fish like Rui, Katla, Mrigel, Silver Carp, Common Carp etc. in the market. These types of fish grow quickly, are less prone to diseases, do not compete with each other for food and space, and natural food is ensured from all water levels. Therefore, the pond environment is good and these fish are delicious to eat.
He also said that producing five to six kg fish in one and a half years by cultivating them through the application of supplementary food is carp fattening or fish fattening. Many people are earning more profit from this. In addition to providing financial assistance to fish farmers, ASDS is implementing it on behalf of PKSF.
