Sanjoy Bishwas (Gopalgonj) Correspondent:
Fish farming in cages has started in
Gopalganj. Monosex tilapia fish have been cultivated by setting up cages in the
flowing water of Madhumati Billroot channel of Sadar Upazila. Each cage of 20
feet long, 10 feet wide and 6 feet deep has produced 200 kg of fish in just 4
months. At least 5 thousand rupees profit is made by selling the fish produced
in each cage, excluding expenses. Despite not having their own pond, fish
farming in cages is now trying to change the fate of thousands of people in
Gopalganj district.
With the support of conservation and development project of
local species of fish and snails, cages suitable for fish farming have been
installed by floating drums in river water and using nets on iron pipes at
different levels in Madhumati MBR channel of Charmanikdah
Gopalganj District Fisheries Officer Bijan Kumar Nandi said that
fish farming exhibition in cages has been set up in 3 upazilas of Gopalganj
district under conservation and development project of native species of fish
and snails. At the end of fish farming, it was seen that an average of 200 kg
of fish was produced in each cage. Fish are farmed in this cage 3 times a year.
Once a cage is established, fish can be farmed for 3 consecutive years. It is
possible to earn from 1 lakh 50 thousand taka to 2 lakh taka per year from 1
unit of 12 cages. More money can be earned from 1 unit if the weather and
climate are favorable. Demonstrations have been set up to promote cage fish
farming. Seeing this, many people are showing interest in profitable cage fish
farming.
Ashikur Rahman, PDSM of native fish and snail conservation and
development project, said that by setting up cages in flowing rivers, canals
and reservoirs, fish can be produced 3 times a year. From this project, groups
were formed by organizing people of various professions including poor
fishermen, unemployed youth. Then they are trained. At the end of the training,
provision is made to fund the installation of cages, fish hatcheries and food
projects. In this way, 48 cages have been set up in 3 upazilas of Gopalganj
district, 2 each in a total of 6 units. Here, 200 kg of fish have been produced
from each cage. Cage fish farming has become profitable. Therefore, Gopalganj
district, which is surrounded by rivers, canals and wetlands, has great
potential to change the fortunes of cage fish farming. On the one hand, the
production of fish will increase, on the other hand, employment opportunities
will be created for thousands of people.
Gopalganj Sadar Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Sohel Md.
Zillur Rahman Regan said that fish farming in cages has received a great
response among the locals because the taste of this fish is very good.
Therefore, this fish is sold at a slightly higher price in Bajor. In the
future, fish farming in cages will be expanded. We are hopeful that it will
create employment for thousands of people.
Noor Alam, who benefited from the exhibition of fish farming in
cages at Madhumati MBR channel in Charmanikdah
Afzal Hossain, a fish farmer of that group said, "Fish is grown in cages in flowing water. Therefore, there is no disease in fish farming in this method. Fish does not lose oxygen. Maximum production of fish is obtained. Fish is very tasty." Therefore, there is a great potential for success in cage fish farming in our district. Anyone can change their fortune by farming fish in this way.
