BENGALURU: The ‘Matsya Mela’, a popular fair held by the Fisheries Department, is back after a hiatus of six years. Held with the aim of making the rearing of ornamental and other fishes popular among the urban populace, the four-day mela will display various models that can be used to rear fish in urban settings like backyards or even terraces.Starting on December 8, the mela will be held at Kanteerva Stadium in the city and will conclude on December 11.
Arowana, Alligator fish and some other types of fish like the Carnatic Carp or ‘gende meenu’, that’s largely consumed in Karnataka, will be showcased. A vast range of fish as well as the methods to grow them will also be taught. “Fish like Tilapia, Pomfret and some others can be grown on terrace for consumption at home. If a vacant site is available, these fish can be grown for commercial purpose as well,” explained Professor B V Krishnamurthy of Fisheries Department of University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS).
Krishnamurthy also said that Aquaponics — the science of raising aquatic animals along with plants in water tanks — will also be demonstrated at the mela. “The same water can be used to grow vegetables as well as small fish. Pangasius (water sharks) can be grown inside the house. One can use substances like cocopeat to grow these. Once grown, some of these ornamental fish can also be sold,” he said.
There are two popular types that are considered auspicious according to Vaastu. One of them is the Alligator Fish which is sold for `2 lakh per fish and the Arowana which is sold for around `1.5 lakh.
“Though we don’t call them Vaastu fishes, it has become a growing trend as many people choose to keep these in their homes considering them lucky,” a department official said. Besides this, there will be competitions for aquarium decoration. Manufacturers dealing in fishing nets and other new technologies in the fishing industry, will also participate.
“This year, we are expecting more than 6 lakh visitors. In 2011, around 5 lakh people had come to Palace Grounds for the mela,” said Fisheries Department Director Veerappa Gowda. With Karnataka ranking third in fish production, there is still scope for improvement as the per capita production of fishes is in the 6-8 kilos range while 14 kilograms is the requirement, officials said. The mela is expected to encourage more people to take up fish production and improve awareness on government schemes like ‘Krishi Honda (pond)’.
LUCKY FISH
There are two types of fish that are considered auspicious according to Vaastu. People pay thousands and lakhs to buy Alligator and the Arowana fish which are much in demand across the globe. A department official said that although these types aren’t technically called Vaastu fishes, keeping them in aquariums has become a growing trend as many people choose to keep their lucky charm at home.
What : Matsya Mela
When: December 8 to December 11
Where: Kanteerava Indoor stadium
What you can expect: Varieties of fish dishes, ornamental fish for aquarium, vaastu fish and
the accessories