Fish Culture,West Godavari ,AP

Описание: West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh is one of the major hubs for aquaculture in India, particularly for fish and shrimp farming. The district’s natural resources, canals from the Godavari River, and fertile soils make it highly suitable for culture fisheries.
Popular Species Cultured

Indian Major Carps (IMC) – Rohu, Catla, Mrigal

Exotic Carps – Common Carp, Grass Carp, Silver Carp

Murrel (Snakehead) – Channa striata, Channa marulius

Tilapia – Cultured in some places (though restricted in certain areas)

Pangasius (Vietnamese Catfish) – Increasingly popular due to fast growth and export demand

Shrimp (though not fish, but important here) – L. vannamei (whiteleg shrimp) is the dominant species in brackishwater aquaculture.

2. Culture Systems

Freshwater Pond Culture – Carps and Pangasius in village tanks and man-made ponds.

Brackishwater Culture – Shrimp in low-lying delta areas.

Polyculture Systems – Carps grown together with compatible species for higher yields.

Integrated Farming – Fish with poultry, ducks, or horticulture in some areas.

3. Farming Practices

Seed Supply – Hatcheries in West Godavari and Krishna districts provide fish seed.

Feed – Both farm-made feeds and commercial floating pellets are used.

Water Management – Farmers rely on Godavari canal systems, borewells, and rainwater storage.

4. Production

West Godavari is one of the highest fish and shrimp producing districts in India.

Fish culture area: Over 30,000 ha of freshwater ponds.

It contributes significantly to both domestic consumption and exports (via frozen fish and shrimp processing plants in Bhimavaram, Undi, Mogalturu, etc.).

5. Markets & Exports

Bhimavaram is called the “Aqua Capital of India”, with large processing plants, hatcheries, and feed mills.

Freshwater fish is sold locally and also transported to cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore.

Shrimp and Pangasius are processed and exported to USA, China, Europe, and Japan.

6. Challenges in Fish Culture

Disease outbreaks (bacterial, parasitic, and viral issues in both fish and shrimp).

Water quality problems – excess nutrients, microcystis blooms, etc.

Market price fluctuations.

High input costs (feed, seed, electricity for aeration).