Fish farming, which has been in practice for hundreds of years, is today, transformed into what is termed as aquaculture. Aquaculture is a common practice all over the world and it produces a wide varieties of both freshwater and seawater fishes, which makes up a large portion of the food industry.

Fish, as one of the major protein sources is largely produced in India. The production of major Indian carps like Catla, Rohu and Mrigal form the major bulk of the freshwater aquaculture production. Recently Pangasius also gain interest amongst farmers. In Andhra Pradesh alone, the Water Spread Area is more than 2 lakhs acres utilized for freshwater aquaculture farming.

Over the years, the culture practices is transforming from the extensive system to the semi-intensive mode, thus achieving a higher productivity level. However, there are problems that arises. Farmers should take several precautionary steps to ensure that they get the best results, such as :

1. Seed selection - High quality seed is essential for a profitable production. Good seeds will give a uniform, faster and healthier growth.

2. Feed - Using a complete formulation fish feed is the only answer. Those traditional materials used to feed fishes should be avoided. These raw materials are not processed and will leave more undigestible waste in the pond, thus polluting the water (ammonia, bacterial infection etc will increase)

3. Farm and Water Management – Poor control results in higher incidence of diseases and yields effluents (wastewater and byproducts) that can have negative effects for the fishes.

Aquaculture, if done correctly, can provide more benefit to farmers as well to the entire ecosystem.

Adding Value and Making a Difference To The Aquaculture Industry

Bharat Luxindo Agrifeeds Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of PT. Luxindo from Indonesia is aware of this situation and since 2006 has been working towards a better management practice in fish farming by introducing a well-formulated fish feed.

Our corporate motto for adding value is to create more value to farmers by providing a well-formulated feed, working with farmers by providing technical services and in future to provide first generation seeds, which will allow farmers to improve yields.

Poor feeding management can be a waste.  Even perfectly formulated feeds will result in excess effluent from nutrients if fish are over fed. Fish generally consume more feed than they actually need for optimum growth.

With the current low ex-farm prices for fish, our mission is to assist the farmers  by maximizing farm production, improve the FCR, & providing a good understanding of a better feed. For this, we will be launching a series of Special Educational Programmes.