Special attention needed in fish farming

The riverine Bangladesh has vast water resources – sea, rivers, canals, marshes, ponds etc. So there is much space for fish cultivation. The fishes that are cultivated in our country are delicious. People of the country are fond of fish. Bengali people prefer rice and fish in their meals. That’s why it is said the Bengalis live on fish and rice (Macche Bhate Bangalee).

Fishery sector plays a vital role in country’s economy. The sector provides 21 percent of the agricultural production. Nearly 4 percent of the total income from national export comes from fisheries. We get 58 percent of animal protein from fish. Nearly 13 lakh people are involved in fish production, processing and marketing. The lives and living of almost 1.5 crore people relies on fisheries. So the development of fisheries in must in acquiring economical advancement and relinquishing poverty.

National Fisheries Week is observed every year considering the importance of the sector. The aim of the programme is to create awareness and encouraging fish production. This year the week started on July 28 and will continue till August 3 across the country. Elaborate programmes were chalked out in capital as well as divisional cities, distinct and upazila levels. This year the theme of the Fishieries Wekk is "Sagar Nadi Sakal Jole, Machh Chashe Sona Foley" (In ocean, river, all water, fish farming produces gold).
 
Like other sector, we are witnessing remarkable changes in fisheries in our country. In many parts of the country fish farming is done in scientific way for commercial purpose. Many people have become self-supported by fish farming. Many people are earning their living by selling fish. A vast number of people changed their fates from fisheries.

Water reservoir is must for fish farming. But unfortunately water reservoir of the country is getting reduced for climate changes, man-made and natural causes. Close and open water reservoirs are the sources of fish farming. Rivers, canals, marshes and bogs are the source of open water reservoir while ponds and pools are close water reservoir. Besides, there is marine source of fisheries.   


Hilsa (Ilish) is most favourite among the marine fishes. 260 species of fishes, 24 species of shrimps and 12 species of foreign fishes are found in the sweet water. Some species have already gone into extinct. On the other hand, 475 species of fishes are found in our maritime area among which are 36 kinds of shrimps, 3 kinds of lobsters, 25 kinds of tortoise and 11 kinds of crabs. Only 65 species of fishes can be collected from maritime.  

No doubt that fish farming gets technological and commercial touches. However, we were not able to fully utilize the internal and maritime water reservoirs. Fishes are healthy food and great source of protein. So the demand of fishes in the country and outside the country is rising day by day. That’s why the sector has much potential. The riverine Bangladesh has much scope of fish farming. All concerned must pay attention in this sector. They have to work with sincerity and professionalism so that our country is filled with fisheries resources.
 
risingbd/DHAKA/Aug 1, 2015/Sontosh/Augustin Sujan