Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, July 1, 2015 : In a bid to boost up fish production in the state, Odisha government has joined hands with Worldfish, a global aquaculture and genetic improvement organization.

The main focus of the partnership is to introduce Tilapia fish farming in a big way besides improving quality of fish seeds, good aquaculture practices through a number of actions like expansion of ponds in the coastal area, formation of fish farm clusters in the rim of Chilika and providing international market linkage for fish from the state.

The Tilapia is world’s second most popular fish which has a high breed rate in warm climate. It also has enormous economic benefits apart from nutritional benefits. The protein-rich fish with low fat content is popularly known as ‘aquatic chicken’ because of its high nutrition values and ease of breeding.

Tilapia farming test, at present, is being carried out on an experimental basis on one acre at the Central Institute of Fresh Aquaculture (CIFA) here. Breeding and culture are being carried out by procuring the Chitralata variety of Tilapia from Bangkok. A hatchery has also been set up there.

Even though this variety of fish was first introduced in the country way back in 1952, it was not accepted well due to the prolific breeding of the species resulting in overpopulation and stunted growth of other fish species.

Fisheries and animal resources development secretary, Bishnupada Sethi told Bizodisha.com that the initiative aims to improve fish production in the state by 20% within a year and double production within five years in the state.

“A delegation from the Worldfish led by its Director Michael Phillips had made a presentation before the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on May 14 with a proposal to use the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) technology to enhance fish production in the state. The partnership will continue for a minimum period of five years,” he added.

Interestingly taking cue from Bangladesh, the department also proposes to include fish in the overall nutrition plan of the state. The state’s per capita fish consumption, despite an increase from 9.13 kg per annum in 2012-13 to 9.40 kg per annum in 2013-14, remains below the national average (9.8kg per annum).