Yielding rich benefits from Mullet farming is the residents of Kumbalangi panchayatin Kochi. The catch from the farming undertaken using scientific methods was over 500 kilograms. The total expenditure for the venture was around `44,500 and it is expected that an income of `2.5 lakh will be generated.
Out of the 500 kg, over 70 kg was harvested at a ceremony held the other day. The function was inaugurated by panchayat president Usha Pradeep. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) programme coordinator Shinoj Subramaniam presided over the meet.
KVK functioning under the Central Marine Fisheries Research institute (CMFRI) Ernakulam had initiated the scientific Mullet farming with an objective of encouraging scientific and profitable fish farming to utilise the coastal regions of the district. There are many saline water bodies which are lying under-utilised.
The seeds were stocked in nursery rearing happa nest and fed for 45 days till they reached the fingerling stage. Over 1,500 Mullet fingerlings were stocked in the water body extending over 80 cents.
The water quality of the pond was scientifically examined before starting the farming.
Floating pellet feed was provided as fish feed in accordance with the growth rate of the fish in the pond. Around 500 grams of growth was achieved by the fish in 12 months in this farming method in addition to 80 percent survival rate.
Cost of mullet fry (young ones) of one to two cm size was `5.
Floating pellet feed with 33 per cent protein were used for feeding in the grow out ponds. “This is a good model for the brackish water resources of the district. Optimum season for initiating the culture is July to August. Mullet is good candidate species to culture with Karimeen (Pearl spot), (Poomeen) Milk fish, Kalanji (Asian Sea bass) and Tilapia,” says KVK subject matter specialist P A Vikas while outlining the technical aspects of scientific farming.
The seeds of the Mullet fish commonly called Thirutha in Malayalam, used for farming were caught naturally from the wild by traditional skilled fisherfolk using typical gears. Instead of stocking the seeds directly in ponds, they were stocked in nursery rearing happa net till they attained the fingerlings stage to increase the survival percentage.