quarterly newsletter of Raj fisheries group reporting on fisheries,education,awareness,research and related issues,activities etc

1. Raj Fisheries Newsletter
(Devoted to Fisheries Education and Awareness) Newsletter -2 (2) , July,2022
Editorial
“Handle the fish gently and the fish will breed”, I
still recall these precious words of Dr H.L.Chaudhuri
spoken on the ultimate day of my training
in Induced Breeding at Killa Fish Farm in
Cuttack in 1975.That time Dr Chaudhuri
was Officer Incharge of this centre of
CIFRI, Barrackpore and giving
concluding remarks to a group of
trainees.Inland aquaculture has
witnessed a giant leap since 1950s and certainly the
credit goes to the painstaking, sincere and highly
dedicated efforts made by Dr H.L.Chaudhuri and his
team in the field of induced breeding,hybridization and
nursery pond management. In those days basic
facilities of electricity, equipment and even drinking
water were limited at this centre. Growth of inland
aquaculture is significant since then as we have now
attained 1st position in inland fish production in the
entire world with a production of 1.8 million tonnes.
This issue of newsletter is dedicated to Dr
H.L.Chaudhuri as our humble tribute to the great
fisheries scientist. National Fish Farmers’ Day
celebrations on 10 July every year are to cherish the
memories of Dr Chaudhuri and to endorse the
significant R & D efforts made by him for the
advancement of inland fisheries in our country.
***
It is satisfying to note that fisheries education in our
country is now receiving attention and as a result more
than 30 fisheries colleges are already functioning to
cater the need for trained fisheries human
resource.Three more fisheries colleges are going to
open shortly.The course curricula at UG and PG levels
are broadly followed as per the norms of
ICAR,however,at few places due to adequate financial
support from the state governments infrastructure as
well as permanent faculty positions as per
recommendations of ICAR are either limited or
severely deficient. Such situations certainly affect the
quality of teaching and research.With new Education
policy there are likely to be challenging situations for
the fisheries education also to implement it with right
perspectives.To cope with such challenges adequate
facilities for class room teaching as well as field level
infrastructure for instructional purpose would be
essential to achieve goal of quality education.
-Prof.(Dr) L.L.Sharma,(Ex Dean College of Fisheries,
MPUAT) Editor
Remembering the Father of Induced
Breeding -Dr Hira Lal Chaudhuri:
Hiralal Chaudhuri was born 21 November 1921 in
Assam, India, and did his secondary and higher
education with the help of government scholarships.
He received his undergraduate and Master’s degrees
in Zoology from University of Calcutta which also
granted him the Ph.D. in Zoology in 1961. Another
M.S. (in Fisheries Management) was awarded to him
by Auburn University in 1955 for his thesis on the
effect of pituitary injections on pond fish reproduction.
As a researcher with the Central Inland Fisheries
Research Institute in Cuttack for the greater part of
three decades (1948- 1976), he made his greatest
contributions to aquaculture in the hormonal induction
of breeding in Indian major carps and exotic Chinese
carps, hybridization of cultured carps, improved
nursery management of fish, and the “composite
culture” or polyculture of Indian and Chinese carps.
The results of his many studies can be found in more
than 60 research papers, reviews, technical manuals,
monographs, and other publications. In September
1994, a colloquium on “Applications of Endocrinology
to Pacific Rim Aquaculture” was held in his honor at
the University of California - Bodega Marine
Laboratory.
Under the sponsorship of the United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization, his expertise in freshwater
fish breeding and grow-out has been shared with
extension workers and other government officials in

2. 2
many countries including India, Laos, Myanmar, the
former Soviet Union, Malaysia and Fiji. He also served
as Project Coordinator and Chief Technical Adviser of
the FAO/ UNDP Aquaculture Project in Vietnam and
Lao PDR in 1979-1984. In the Philippines, he served
as Regional Coordinator and Deputy Director of
(SEAFDEC / AQD's) Asian Institute of Aquaculture in
Iloilo, Philippines in 1976-1979 and again as Visiting
Scientist in 1985-1988. After a visiting professorship at
the University of the Philippines in Los Baños in
1988-1993, he retired and returned with his wife Mukul
to Calcutta where they now enjoy occasional visits
from their grownup daughter Soma and son Shubham.
Burdwan University in West Bengal awarded him an
honorary Doctor’s degree in recognition of a lifetime
devoted to aquaculture research and service.
SEAFDEC Dr. Chaudhuri headed the training and
extension group (1976-1979), and worked on induced
spawning of milkfish (1985-1988). He was honored by
the World Aquaculture Society as an honorary Life
Member. At the International Festival of Films on
Aquaculture organized in Kyoto, Japan during
May-June 1976, the Indian film on induced breeding
won the 1st prize, which was shot under the technical
guidance of Dr. Chaudhuri.Dr Chaudhuri received
following awards in recognition of his excellent work:
● Chandrakala Hora Memorial Gold
Medal, 1960
● Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award
● Gamma Sigma Delta Award
● Golden Key Award of the Auburn
University, USA
● World Aquaculture Award, 1994
● Asiatic Society Award, 6 May, 2002
● Honorary D.Sc by Central Institute of
Fisheries Education, Mumbai
● Chair in Fisheries in the name of
Hiralal Chaudhuri by University of
Calcutta
● In 2001 Indian Government
announced 10 July as the National
Fish Farmers Day to honor Prof.
Chaudhuri.
Dr Hira Lal Chaudhuri was honoured as the Father
of induced breeding of the Carp and also
considered as the pioneer of Blue revolution in the
world.The best tribute to Dr H.L.Chaudhuri on the
occasion of National Fish Farmers Day would be to
devote our time and energy for further advancement
of Blue Revolution for the benefit of masses.
(Source: World Aquaculture, December 1997; J.H.
Primavera, SEAFDEC, Asian Aquaculture Vol. XX No.
2 April 1998, Wikipedia)
Fisheries Science and Technology – its
Evolution and expansion in the world (1)
-Dr V.S.Durve, Retired Professor of Limnology
and Fisheries, Rajasthan College of Agriculture,
Udaipur
Though the fish is being caught for food since time
immemorial, its capture and culture procedures
became a technique and science
much later. Even after attaining
the technology status, it remained
confined to a few individuals
called fishers or fishermen who in
the course of the time organized
themselves to become a fishing
community. The community
members mostly remained
illiterate and the art or technology
of fishing and aquaculture thus
remained passed from one generation to the next
through experience and some verbal or oral
communications. There was no formal education in
this science till recent times at least in India.
China is the birthplace of Pisciculture later renamed
Aquaculture. Many of the present-day fish culture
practices such as Polyculture and integrated Fish
Culture have also originated in China. The earliest
written record of Pisciculture in Chinese scientific
literature is by Tao Chukung also called Tan li. He
wrote a book named “Yang Yu-Ching” on Pisciculture.
Another book “The Classic of fish culture” is believed
to have been written by Fan lai in 475 B.C. Later, in the
year 1243 A.D. Chow Mit of the Sung dynasty wrote a
book named “Kwei Sin Chak shik” wherein he
described the live transport of carp fry in Bamboo
baskets. In 1639 A.D., Hew wrote a “Complete Book of
Agriculture”. This book contained and treated
aquaculture extensively and described the collection of
carp fry from rivers and rearing them in ponds. With
the experience gained over years, Chinese brought
fish-culture to a very high level of development.
Chinese rulers used to deport criminals in their country
to Indonesia for several years. These, with their
knowledge of aquaculture, began collecting and
rearing the locally available brackish water Milkfish
(Chanos chanos) in Coastal natural ponds and also in
the built-up brackish water pond-like structures called
“Tambak”. This aquaculture activity then earned the
name Tambak fishery and till recently remained a
principal contributor to the G.D.P of Indonesia. The
skill that these Tambak aquaculturists developed over
an extended period of time, was adopted by the local
residents through interactions and communication.

3. 3
This could be considered as the informal illiterate level
of education in aquaculture and fishery science. Along
with freshwater capture fishery and aquaculture, the
capture marine fishery and marine or brackish water
aquaculture also developed through this informal
illiterate level education.
The Natives of the Indian sub-continent acquired this
informal and illiterate level of education in fishery and
aquaculture in both freshwater and marine realms
primarily from the Chinese and other south-east Asian
travelers. This education got dissipated over the
masses through interaction and communication.
In India, the first mention of fish culture in the scientific
literature is by Chanakya who made an indirect
reference to fish stocking and rearing in ponds and
reservoirs in his legendary book “Arthashastra” written
sometime between 321 and 300 B.C. Later, the
woman astronomer and scientist Khona (actual name
Khana or Lilavati) wrote in her book written in the
Bengali language in 530 A.D. that the bunds and
banks of the fish ponds and reservoirs should be
cultivated with vegetables. Khona is considered to be
the daughter-in-law of the erudite and world-renowned
astronomer, and physicist of India Varahamihira
hailing from Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh). However, Khona
had spent a major part of her life in east Bengal
presently called Bangladesh. All these books and other
relics of her work are preserved in archives. The
dissipation of this knowledge amongst the
aquaculturists was again through personal
observations and interactions.
The King Someshwara of the Chalukya dynasty
compiled an encyclopedic work in 1127 A.D. i.e., 900
years back. The name of this voluminous book is
“Abhilashirtahachintamani” alternately called
Manasollasa. Here, in the chapter Matsyavinoda, the
author has extensively described the method of
fattening the fishes (fish nutrition), angling techniques
(sport fishery), and Sanskrit names of 35 sport fishes
(both marine and freshwater) of India along with their
habitat and food habits. These publications are even
now available with an Institute dealing with ancient and
historical aspects of Agriculture located in Hyderabad.
All the above studies and written records did not
significantly trickled down to the Indian fishery artisans
probably because of the Sanskrit language in which
they were written. Thus, despite the availability of
literature on the subject, the spread and practical
adoption of the art of aquaculture and fishery science
by the common public occurred very sparingly.
Probably, the religious atmosphere in India in the
medieval period also did not favour fishery and
pisciculture.
The first entry of the subjects of fisheries and
aquaculture in the instructional materials for teaching
in schools/Colleges occurred in Japan during the reign
of king Meiji (1868 –1912) also called as the Meiji Era
of Meiji period. The fisheries courses were then called
“Suisan” in Japanese language. The first training
school in fisheries in Japan was established at a
higher elementary school level in 1897 at the place
called Miyako-Cho. This probably formed the first
fisheries and aquaculture educational institute in the
world. (to be continued in next issue)
References:
1.Sadhale, Nalini and Nene, Y.L.(2005). On Fish in
Manasollasa (c.1131 AD) Asian Agri-History Vol
9(3)177-199.
2.Sadhale, Nalini. Personal and Postal
communications.
3.Nene,Y.L..Personal and Postal communications.
4.Abdul Latif Bhuyan(Professor of Marine fisheries,
Chittagong University, Bangaldesh),Postal and
Telephonic communications.
Success Story: Shrimp farming
attains new heights in Churu district
of Rajasthan
-Manohar Lal Arora,Ex Asst.Director, Department
of Fisheries, Govt. of Rajasthan, Jaipur
1. District Churu
Churu district is a district in the desert part of the
largest state of India, Rajasthan. It is situated at an
altitude of 292 meters above sea
level. It is also called the Gateway to
the Thar Desert. This district is
bounded by Hanumangarh in the
north, Sikar in the south, Jhunjhunu in
the south-east, Nagaur in the
south-west, and Bikaner in the west.
Whereas in the east the border of
Bhiwani district of Haryana is connected with the
Churu district.
There are no perennial or important seasonal rivers
and streams in Churu district. Saline groundwater is
available in this district.However, along with
Hanumangarh and Jhunjhunu districts, Churu district is
also getting the benefit of the Gandeli (Nohar) Sahwa
lift canal of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project.
2. Start of Shrimp Farming
In the year 2016, Manoj Goswami, a resident of village
Gotha in Rajgarh Tehsil, did training at the Central
Institute of Brackish Water Aquaculture(CIBA) located
in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. After taking training from this
institute, the chemical analysis of groundwater was

4. 4
done at the Central Institute of Fisheries Education,
Rohtak in Haryana. After getting complete satisfaction,
he spent about 20 lakh rupees for developing
aquaculture facilities in his village Gotha.
Riyajat Khan has also been rearing shrimp in his
village Kharia for the last four years. He has made an
effort to organize the shrimp farmers of the district by
forming Churu District Shrimp Producer Farmers
Association. According to Riyajat Khan, the president
of this association, by the year 2022, about 600
farmers have started shrimp farming in this district. But
about three-fourths of these farmers are adopting this
new business of aquaculture from shrimp farming in
Rajgarh tehsil of this district. Out of the six tehsils of
the district, three tehsils - Churu, Taranagar and
Rajgarh - have approximately 60,150 and 400 farmers
who are actively engaged in shrimp farming.
3. Interest of District Administration
Due to the efforts of Riyajat Khan, District Collector for
the last three years - in the year 2020, Dr. Pradeep K.
Gawande, Sanwar Mal Verma in the year 2021 and
Siddharth Sihang in 2022 - visited the ponds of the
farmers rearing shrimp in Churu district to see,
appreciate and understand their problems. I have
worked in fisheries department from 1974 to 2014.
During my 40 years of service, I have never seen the
collector of any district visit the fish farmers' pond and
see their problems and works.
Churu MP Rahul Kasawa also tried to develop this
new dimension of aquaculture in the area by directly
contacting the shrimp farmers of this district. Shrimp
farmers of this district have to go to the Central
Institute of Fisheries Education, Rohtak, about 200 km
away, for chemical analysis of water and technical
advice. To solve this basic technical problem of shrimp
farming, Churu MP Rahul Kasava directly contacted
Purshottam Rupala , the Fisheries Minister of the
Government of India, and drawn attention of the
minister to this district.In the year 2022, Rs 53.52 lakh
were approved for Krishi Vigyan Kendra located in
Sadulpur tehsil of this district for establishing water
testing lab and training center at Chand Gothi.
Undoubtedly, due to the creation of this facility, the
farmers of Churu district will not have to wander here
and there for chemical analysis of water, training, and
technical guidance.
4. Administrative set up
The responsibility of development, conservation and
survey of fish resources in Churu district has been
given to the office of Fisheries Department of
Rajasthan Government at Hanumangarh. While the
responsibility of loans and grants for training, technical
guidance and financial assistance to fish farmers in the
district has been given to Fish Farmers’ Development
Agency, Sri Ganganagar.
In the year 2020 and 2021, Madan Singh Dhayal,
Fisheries Development Officer, Hanumangarh visited
Churu district and gathered necessary information
about the possibilities of shrimp farming and prepared
a detailed report and presented it to the higher officials
of the Fisheries Department in Jaipur. Based on the
recommendation of the MP and other public
representatives and the District Collector and this
detailed report submitted by the Fisheries
Development Officer, the attention of the State
Government focused on shrimp farming in Churu
district, which is otherwise considered completely dry
and water deficient area. As a result, Honorable Chief
Minister Ashok Gehlot announced the establishment
of Fisheries Development Officer’s office in Churu
district's budget announcement for the year 2022. With
the implementation of this, in the month of May 2022,
the Office of Fisheries Development Officer, Churu has
duly started working. Undoubtedly, a new chapter of
fisheries development has started in this desert district
with the establishment of the Fisheries Development
Officer's office in the year 2022 in Churu district.
5. Construction of Pond and Provision of
Necessary Equipment
Ponds of 130 to 200 feet(40 to 60 meters) in length
and width are being used for shrimp farming in Churu
district.
The majority of the ponds are made of 50 to 60 meters
in length and width. Thus, the water area of ​
​
most of
the ponds is 2500 to 3600 sq. meters. The water depth
in these ponds is kept from 6 to 8 feet i.e. 1.8 to 2.4
meters. The shrimp farmers here consider the water
depth of fewer than 5 feet i.e. 1.5 meters as a risk. For
this reason, efforts are made to keep the depth of
water between two and a half to two meters throughout
the rearing period. Due to the problem of water
seepage in the soil of the area, the bottom including
the vertical walls of the pond is also covered with
polythene sheets. The thickness of this polythene
sheet lining the pond is 2.5 to 3.0 mm.
In this district, farming of shrimp by making a single
pond in the field is not considered to be of much profit
from an economic point of view. Due to this, shrimp
farming is usually done by making two ponds in the
same field in Churu district for a profitable economy.
Construction of a pond of 2500 to 3600 sqm and 2.0 to
2.5 meters water depth, laying of polythene, boring of
bore well and aerator with electrical connection etc.,
mini kit of water analysis, necessary nets and other
equipments etc., may costs.about 12 to 15 lakhs.
6. Shrimp Variety: Litopenaeus vannamei
Shrimp is generally considered to be a fish. Whereas it
is a type of aquatic invertebrate placed in the class
Crustacea under the phylum Arthropoda.
Macrobrachium rosenbergii, commonly known as
mahjinga, is cultivated in the freshwater waters of
Rajasthan in a very limited area, especially in the
Jirahedi area of ​
​
Bharatpur and canal areas of
Bhilwara, Banswara and Sriganganagar and

5. 5
Hanumangarh. In these areas, prawn rearing is carried
out by adopting "mixed farming techniques" with carp
culture. Off late in the fishery area of ​
​
Rajasthan,
Litopenaeus vannamei, which is called an exotic
variety of white-leg shrimp, has made a new place. In
Churu district this white-leg Litopenius vannamei is
reared with a "monoculture technique". This means
that only this shrimp is reared in the pond.
In the saltwater of the coastal region of India, two
varieties of locally found crustaceans - tiger prawn
(Penaeus monsoon) and white prawn (Penaeus
indicus) - are mostly reared. But Litopenius vannamei
ie white-legged shrimp is found in the oceanic saline
waters of the coastal region of India and the
subterranean saline waters of the inland region, from
Pacific Coastal Mexico and Central and South America
to South Peru has now revolutionized aquaculture.
Monoculture of Penaeus monodon is widely practiced
in the brackishwater of India as well as the coastal
areas of Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia throughout
Southeast Asia. But in the year 1995, due to a disease
called WSSV - White Spot Syndrome Virus, the rearing
of tiger Prawn in this area was badly affected. The
effect of this disease lasted for a long time. But by the
year 2001-2002, almost all countries of South-East
Asia adopted the white-leg shrimp Litopenaeus
vannamei in place of Penaeus monodon. In India,it
was reared on the pilot scale in 2003 and after being
fully satisfied, in 2009, the Government of India
allowed its commercial aquaculture.
7. Seed Harvesting and Rearing Techniques
Farmers of Churu district collect the seeds of prawn
seeds of the Litopenaeus vannamei variety in the
month of March-April by "pre-stocking preparation" in
their ponds. The farmers of this area stock 30 to 50
shrimp seeds in one square foot of water area.
Generally, in a pond between 1.00 lakh to 1.25 lakh
shrimp seeds are stocked. The seeds are generally
imported from Andhra Pradesh for culture. It is SPF ie
Specific Pathogen Free seed of Litopenaeus
vannamei, which is certified by "Coastal Aquaculture
Authority". The rate of this seed is 60 to 80 paise per
seed i.e. 600 to 800 rupees per thousand. This rate
includes the fare and packing charges till Jaipur or
Delhi airport. The transportation cost from the airport to
the pond at Churu has to be borne by the shrimp
producer separately. 2500 seeds are packed in a
polythene bag filled with water and oxygen.The
packing boxes are made of thermocol and sealed with
tape.
Shrimp seeds stored in the pond are regularly fed
high-quality factory-made feed. Due to the frugal
nature of prawns, they get licked as soon as they are
put in the pond. However, this used feed has the ability
to float on the surface of the water for 2-4 hours. This
prawn meal comes in a tightly sealed dry plastic bag of
25 kg each. The size of this diet is given in the particle
size of 0.5 to 1.0 mm in the initial stage of prawn
growth.
8. Harvesting and Marketing
The rearing period of prawns in this district is about 8
months from November to December. But most of the
farmers do the harvesting of prawn crops only after
following 5-6 months till August-September. By the
way, the middle of Litopenaeus vannamei is
considered to be marketable as soon as it is 20 grams.
But the farmers of Churu prefer to harvest only prawns
weighing more than 25 grams for the market. The
weight of the prawns harvested here varies from 25
grams to 60 grams. By the way most farmers shrimp
Most of the farmers harvest and sell the prawns as
soon as the weight of prawns is 25 to 35 grams.
Prawns produced in Churu are sold by its producers at
the rate of Rs 180 to 600 per kg on the pond itself.
This rate depends on the physical sheen and versatility
of the prawns and the unit weight. Its production cost is
generally considered to be Rs 130 to 300 per kg. Most
of the buyers of this prawn come from Andhra
Pradesh. The cost of harvesting the crop from the
pond is borne by the grower. But as soon as it comes
out of the pond, the responsibility and cost of taking
care of this catch of prawns and taking them to the
market have to be borne by the buyer.
9. Production Rate
In Churu district only 50 tonnes of white-leg shrimp i.e.
Litopenius vannamei was produced for the first time in
the year 2017. In the subsequent three years i.e.
2018, 2019, and 2020, its production increased to 150,
350, and 600 metric tonnes, respectively. In the last
year- 2021, farmers in this district have produced 1000
metric tonnes of shrimp crop by making ponds in about
400 hectares of water on their own land. Thus, it can
be said that in the year 2021, the shrimp production
rate in Churu district is 2500 kg per hectare.
At present, the Litopeaeus vannamei contributes about
80% of the total shrimp exported from India and about
46% of the total marine product exports. Undoubtedly
acknowledging the biggest success of the Make in
India programme, Litopenaeus vannamei, the
white-leg shrimp, is now witnessing a new script for
the Blue Revolution in India. Above all, it is a matter of
pride and satisfaction that Churu, a desert district of
Rajasthan, which is considered inland and
water-deficient region plays an important role in the
export of marine products.
10. Gratitude
In the year 2017, only 8 years after the start of
commercial cultivation of Litopenaeus vannamei in
India in the year 2009, this exotic prawn entered the
cultural waters of Churu district of Rajasthan for
rearing. Within 5 years of entering this district, by the
year 2022, it started playing an important role in the
diversification of agriculture in the fields of about 600

6. 6
farmers. For this reason, first of all thanks are given to
those farmers who have given a new identity to their
area by cultivating shrimp in Churu district on their own
initiative.
The following progressive shrimp farmers of Churu
district have provided information for the preparation of
this article. Therefore, heartfelt gratitude is expressed
to all these shrimp farmers, especially Riyajat Khan,
President, Churu Jhiga Producer Farmers
Association,Manoj Goswami, Balwan Poonia, Raj
Kumar Sheopur, Raj Kumar and T C Budhania.
Value Addition of Fish: A Technical Note
-Dr Naresh Kumar Mehta, Assistant Professor,
Department of Fish Processing Technology &
Engineering, College of Fisheries, CAU(I),
Lembucherra, Tripura (West)-799210
Email-nareshfishco@gmail.com
Basically, India is a fresh fish consuming country. It is a
well-known fact that fresh fish is a highly perishable
commodity even among meats due to
its high moisture and presence of
unsaturated fats. Hence, the
post-harvest loss in the fishery sector
is very high. Although, India is a
leading country in fish production lack
of the matchable infrastructure for the
processing or value addition further
aggravates the problem. In order to
have effective utilization of fish
production, the country needs to invest in hygienic
landing centres, ice plants, freezing trucks, dedicated
refrigerated rail coaches, corridors and value addition.
The “value addition” is increasing the economic value
of per unit fish by enhancing its self-life or adding
some attractive propositions so that consumers are
ready to pay a higher price without any hesitation.
The value addition will not only provide effective
utilization but also generate employment and thereby
added wealth to the stakeholders. It is not always to
make some new products to do value addition.
Nowadays, the simplest way to do it is to sell live fish
fetch more price than the dead fish in markets.
Whether we can develop some packaging material to
sell fish live conditions; so that it is easier for
consumers to carry a live fish home? it is possible to
sell fish fillets instead of whole fish? is it possible to
make sous-vide (cook chilled fresh fish) packets? other
than this, making fish products like cutlets, fish ball,
fish papad, fish noodles, fermented products, and
cookies are the other avenues by which we can
generate extra income compared to merely selling raw
fish. Just by doing this, the export of Indian seafood
can be increased significantly and foreign currency
may be earned. In the years 2021-22, India fetched an
all-time high foreign exchange of Rs. 57587 cr, where
much thanks to the export of L. vannamei covering
more than 45 thousand crores. Although our country is
a major seafood exporting country, our export basket
has limited value-added products. Therefore, it is the
need of the hour to work sincerely on the strategies
which augment value-added products production so
that goal of earning foreign exchange of Rs. 1 lakh
crore from seafood export may be realized by 2024-25
as aimed by the Union Govt. of India.
News from College campus :
National Fish Farmers Day
celebration
National Fish Farmer's Day was celebrated in Udaipur
on 10th July by the College of Fisheries(MPUAT). The
program was celebrated on an online mode in which
65 people belonging to different states of the country -
Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh,
Haryana, Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam, Jammu and
Kashmir etc. including fish farmers, fisheries scientists,
professors, research students and farmers of
Jaisamand region,and graduate students participated.
The Chief Guest of the program was former Dean of
Fisheries College Prof. L.L. Sharma while giving
background of this celebration recalled his memories
with Dr H.L.Chaudhuri during a training at Killa Fish
Farm in Bhuneshwar in July 1975.It was the result of
sincere and tireless efforts of Dr H.L.Chaudhuri, Dr
K.H.Alikunhi and their associates that a breakthrough
in induced fish breeding by hypophysation technique
was achieved on 10th July,1957. This substation of
CIFRI subsequently made commendable research on
pond management and fish hybridization under the
leadership of Dr Chaudhri which has immensely
helped our country toward Blue Revolution.
Through hypophysation now farmers have access to
pure seeds due to which there has been an
unprecedented increase in fish production. Our annual
fish production from pisciculture is said to be 1.8
million tonnes now, which is a matter of pride for all us.
Dr Sharma further stated that he was sent to Killa Fish
farm for training in Induced fish breeding which
paved the way for successful breeding of minor carp

7. 7
Labeo gonius in Fateh Sagar lake after return from this
training under guidance of Dr Chaudhuri. Dr Sharma
highlighted the significant research contributions and
achievements of Dr Hira Lal Chaudhuri with the help of
a PowerPoint Presentation.
Referring to the fisheries scenario of Rajasthan Dr
Sharma mentioned that the specific agroclimatic and
environmental conditions of Rajasthan are very
favorable for fish production. To increase the fish
production of the state and the economic condition of
fish farmers from various government schemes,
emphasis should be laid on promoting local species,
studying the fish food resources in the water bodies,
stocking seeds of appropriate fish species of suitable
size in desirable ratio should be key elements of
scientific fisheries management.He also expressed
concern over the entry of certain exotic invader fish
species like Tilapia and Thai Maghur which have
threatened local fish species.
Dr. BK Sharma, Dean of Fisheries College, while
presiding over this program, said that every year this
day is celebrated to encourage the entrepreneurs and
fishermen for their achievements in the field of
fisheries and to recognize their contribution in the
development of fisheries sector in the country. The
fishermen and aquaculturists from across the country,
besides officials, scientists, professionals,
entrepreneurs, and various stakeholders participate in
the programs organized on this day. Former Dean Dr.
Subodh Sharma conducted the program and told that
the collective expectation of the government, fisheries
department, and fish farmers should be that the fish
farmers in India will not only earn profit by producing
maximum fish, but also by promoting the export of
fish.Our teaching, research, and extension efforts
should be oriented to double the income of farmers,
he added. Dr. M. L. Ojha, Assoc. Prof & In-charge of
fisheries research and seed production unit also
expressed his views and extended a vote of thanks to
all the participants. Dr. Anil Sharma, Dr. Rajkumar, Dr.
Udayram, Mr. Praveen Meena, Nayan Chauhan, Mr.
Ram also expressed their views in this event.
-Dr. Subodh Kumar Sharma, Public Relations
Officer, MPUAT, Udaipur
National Fish Farmer Program at Fisheries
Polytechnic, Dhamdha, Chattisgarh
National Fish Farmers Day was celebrated at Fisheries
Polytechnic College, Dhamdha,Durg. In the program,
30 fisherwomen of Self Help Groups of Virahmapur
and Barhapur were given one-day training on making
value-added product-fish cutlets.
The Chief Guest of the program Dr. N. P.
Dakshinakar,Vice-Chancellor,Dau Vasudev
Chandrakar Kamdhenu University, Durg said that till
now we have promoted fish production, but now fish
products like fish pickles, fish papad, fish burger, pizza
and fish cutlets should be prepared and marketed.
Guest of honour Dr Sanjay Shakya,
Director,Extn.Education,Kamdhenu University
Kawardha(CG) said that fish is the good source of
protein and value added products should be
encouraged in the state.
Dr Disha Thakur,Gynocologist while speaking as the
Guest of Honour said fish is full of essential nutrients
and useful to fight with the diseases associated with
eyes and heart. Dean of the Fisheries College Dr
J.K.Dutta informed that fish seed was imported earlier
from other states but now it is produced and exported
out of state.This is a big achievement of the
government administration.
Dr. Niranjan Sarang, Principal Fisheries Polytechnic
College, Dhamdha, while explaining the program
outline, explained the importance of this event and
said that on 10th July, Dr.Hira Lal Choudhuri
successfully induced major carp fishes with the use of
pituitary hormone injection in the year 1957. Women
participants also learned to prepare byproducts of fish
as a part of their value addition training, Dr Sarang
added.
The program was convened by Ms. Prerna
Devrao,Asst. Prof. The faculty members Dr. Rohitash
Yadav, Tameshwar, Uma Ratre, Devati Jaiswal and
Omkar Sahu were also present on this occasion.
Vaibhav Chaurasia proposed a vote of thanks to all the
guests. Kailash Das Manikpuri, Ashutosh Dube, Indra
Kumar Sahu, Rishi and Motilal Markandey were
among others who participated in the program.

8. 8
-Dr Niranjan Sarang, Principal,Fisheries
Polytechnic, Dhamdha, Chattisgarh
Environmental Biology PG students
visit Aquagallery, Udaipur
PG Department of Zoology, Dayanand College, Ajmer
conducted an educational tour for MSc (previous and
final ) Zoology(Environmental Biology) from 23 to 27
June,2022. During the tour the students visited ’Under
the Sun’ Aquagallery ,near Fateh Sagar Udaipur and
studied the diversity of fishes.About 50 types of
various fish species including some rare varieties,
were observed by the visiting group. After visiting the
aquarium Dr L.L.Sharma former Dean,College of
Fisheries,MPUAT Udaipur delivered a
lecture on the importance of Limnology and Fisheries
with particular reference to Rajasthan waters. Dr
Sharma categorically explained the growing problem of
eutrophication caused due to unabated disposal of
domestic wastes in the water bodies of Rajasthan
which is adversely affecting aquatic life. During the
educational tour students also visited Wildlife
sanctuary of Kumbhalgarh and observed went for
safari to observe Leopards.. In Udaipur this group
visited newly established Bird Park in Gulab baghand
vinessed several bird species including
Palicans,Yellowfin,Ostrich and Kimu.Students also
visited the Biological Park near Sajjangarh where they
observed wildlife namely, Hyna,Deer, Antilope,Tiger
and Crocodyles.
This tour was organized under the supervision of
Dr(LT) Soniya Joseph,Asst.Prof.& Head, Department
of Zoology and Dr Sanchita Rose Asst. Prof. and Dean
Science, Dayanand College, Ajmer. Dr Darshana
Dave,Asst.Prof.Shramjivi College,Udaipur
accompanied the visiting students and extended local
support.
-Dr Sanchita Rose, Asst. Prof. & Dean,
Science,Dayanand College, Ajmer
Abstracts of theses:
Ph.D.Thesis
Effect of Khejri, Prosopis cineraria on growth and
immunity of rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822).
Rohitash Yadav, PhD scholar;Dr.N. K. Chadha (Chair)
Head and Principal Scientist,Division of Aquaculture,
ICAR- CIFE, Mumbai, India -400061
Email: rohitashyadav093@gmail.com
Seven experiments were conducted to study the effect
of Khejri, Prosopis cineraria pod, and seed meals
(KPM and KSM) and their extracts on the growth
performance and physio-metabolic response of
Labeorohitafingerlings.Anti-nutritional factors such as
trypsin inhibitor, tannin, phytates, saponin, alkaloids,
and hydrogen cyanide contents were recorded within
the tolerable limits in KPM and KSM. The amino acid
composition in KSM was significantly higher than in
KPM. The results of experiment IA revealed that
dietary khejri pod meal (KPM) inclusions did not
influence the growth performance and feed conversion
of rohu, L. rohita fingerlings (P>0.05). However, fish
fed with Khejri seed meal (KSM) exhibited variable
growth and feed conversion indices (P<0.05) in the
experiment IB. Based on the results, dietary Khejri pod
and seed meal could replace 150 g kg−1
DORB and
GNOC, respectively, in the diet of L. rohita. Based on
the polynomial regression, optimum KPM and KSM
inclusions for maximum growth responses were 7.0
and 7.4 %, respectively. In experiment II, dietary KPM
inclusions did not affect growth, feed conversion,
protein retention, and survival in L. rohita fingerlings

9. 9
(P>0.05). The digestive, metabolic & stress enzymes
activities, haematological and serum biochemical
indices were independent of dietary KPM inclusion
(P>0.05). In the experiment III, dietary KSM inclusions
did not affect growth, feed conversion, protein
retention, survival, and body indices of rohu fingerlings
(P<0.05). Digestive (except protease), & stress
enzymes activities, haematological and serum
biochemical indices did not vary (P>0.05) in L.
rohitafingerlings. The dietary KSM inclusion
significantly affected the aminotransferase activities
(except ALT in the liver), LDH activity in the liver, and
MDH activity in muscle in rohu fingerlings. In
experiment IV, 65% ethanolic extracts prepared from
khejri pod and seed meal exhibited significantly higher
antioxidants (DPPH inhibition (%), FRAP activity, TPC
contents) and antimicrobial properties against
Edwardsiellatardaand Aeromonas hydrophila than
aqueous and methanolic extracts (P>0.05). In VA and
VB experiments, 0.5% dietary inclusion of khejri pod
and seed extracts (KPE and KSE) enhanced the
growth performance, feed conversion, protein
retention, and digestive enzyme activities in rohu
fingerlings (P<0.05). Digestive enzymes activities were
influenced by dietary KPE and KSE inclusion. In the VI
experiment, maximum growth performance, feed
conversion, and nutrient utilization were observed in
fish fed with 0.5% KPE. Protease and
aminotransferase exhibited a positive correlation with
the growth performance of fish (P<0.05). Significantly
lower lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate
dehydrogenase, and stress enzymes activities were
observed in treatment groups than control (P<0.05).
Fish were challenged with pathogenic A. hydrophila for
15 days, and different physio-biochemical indices were
determined. Stress enzymes activities, serum proteins,
glucose content, respiratory burst activity, and
haematological indices were enhanced (P<0.05) in fish
during the post-challenged study. Higher survival (%)
recorded in fish fed with 0.75% KPE inclusion than
other fed groups. In the experiment VII, dietary KSE
supplementation significantly affected the growth
performance, nutrient utilization, and body indices in
rohu fingerlings (P<0.05). The digestive enzymes
activities (except amylase), metabolic (except LDH
muscle), and stress enzymes activities varied in
different treatments (P<0.05). The haematological
(except TLC) and serum biochemical parameters
(except in albumin, globulin, and A/G ratio) affect the
dietary KSE treatments. Stress enzymes, serum
protein, glucose content, NBT activity, and
haematological parameters were enhanced during the
post-challenge study (P<0.05). The lowest mortality
was observed in fish fed with diet 5.0 g KSE /kg.
Based on the results, it can be concluded that khejri
pod and seed meal could be incorporated in the diet of
Labeorohita fingerlings at 15% inclusion level to
substitute 50% deoiled rice bran and groundnut oil
cake. 65% ethanolic khejri pod and seed extracts
could be supplemented in the diet at 0.5% inclusion
levels to enhance the growth performance and feed
conversion of rohu fingerlings. Similarly, for better
immunity and survival against A. hydrophila infection,
fish could be fed with 0.75% and 0.50% dietary KPE
and KSE inclusions, respectively.
M.F.Sc. Theses
1.Effects of Guava (Psidium guajava Linn) leaf meal
on Growth and Digestibility of rohu, Labeo rohita
(Hamilton, 1822) Fingerlings
Pawan Kumar( Research scholar),Dr. M.L. Ojha( Major
Advisor) Assoc.Professor,Department of Aquaculture,
College of Fisheries, MPUAT, Udaipur, Department of
Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, MPUAT, Udaipur
The research was conducted to know effects of Guava
(Psidium guajava Linn) leaf meal on Growth and
Digestibility of rohu, Labeo rohita (Ham.) fingerlings.
Research was performed on five levels of guava leaf
meal and monitored for a period of 60 days.. The
different treatments used in present study were i.e. TI
(without guava leaf meal) and treatments: T2 (0.05%),
T3 (0.1%), T4 (0.15% ), T5 (0.2%) replacing equal
amount of basal diet. Fingerlings were fed at the rate
of 3 per cent of their body weight in split does in the
form of pellets. Feeding was done 2 times in a day.
During the study, the diet supplemented with guava
leaf meal did not have any detrimental impact on the
parameters of water quality and only narrow variations
in the parameters of water quality were noted in
various treatments. The range of water quality reported
during the test was: water temperature from (25.0°C to
28.7°C), electrical conductivity from (1460 to 1990
μS.cm-1), pH from (8.12 to 8.5), dissolved oxygen from
(5.3 to 7.6 mg/l), total alkalinity from (99 to 154 mg/l),
TDS from (829 to 946 mg/l) and total hardness from
(500 to 666 mg/l). On the other hand during the
experimental period growth parameters were
significantly (P<0.05) highest as weight gain
(82.293-0.800 g) comparison to T1 (Cn) experimental
fishes (62.213±0.421), percent weight gain
(167.040-1.908 %), net gain in length (8.950±0.015
cm) specific growth rate (1.161±0.002 %) and gross
conversion efficiency (GCE) (0.592+0.005) in Ts and
lowest value was recorded in Ti (control). Compared to
other treatment, TS indicates better food use with a

10. 10
low food conversion ratio (FCR) (1.689+0.014). The
average value of Digestibility (66.437±0.868) was
lowest in TI (Cn) and highest (72.812+0.279) in TS.
These results showed that guava leaf meal has a
beneficial effect on the growth and Digestibility of
Labeo rohita fingerlings at a rate of 0.2% in the fish
diet.
2.Effect of Banana Peel Powder Supplemented Diet
on Growth, Proximate composition and
Digestibility of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822)
Fingerlings
Heena Sanvriya( Research scholar),Dr. M.L. Ojha
(Major Advisor),Assoc.Professor,Department of
Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, MPUAT, Udaipur,
Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries,
MPUAT, Udaipur
The present experiment was conducted for 60 days to
assess the effect of Banana Peel Powder
Supplemented Diet on Growth, Proximate composition
and Digestibility of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822)
Fingerlings. This experiment was carried out from
March to May 2021. The five different inclusion levels
of banana peel powder supplemented diet i.e. To
(without banana peel powder), Ti (2%), T2 (4%), T:
(6%) and Ta (8%) were used to fed the fishes The
fishes were fed @3% body weight once in a day.
During the whole experimental period, there was no
bad impact of banana peel powder supplemented diet
can be seen on water quality parameters as the values
of water quality parameters show only narrow variation
in various treatments. Although, the effect of banana
peel powder supplemented diet was clearly indicate
from the increased weight gain and improved
proximate composition and digestibility of different
treatment. The result shows that the maximum weight
gain, per cent weight gain, specific growth rate, gross
conversion efficiency and digestibility 60.173±0.098,
74.446±0.104, 0.927-0.000, 0.339-0.000 and
68.1290+0.7713 was in T₂ treatment. While, the best
feed utilization in terms of minimum FCR (2.950-0.005)
was seen in T2 and maximum (4.250±0.040) was in
control To. However, the highest protein content in fish
carcass was found (16.473%) in T2. moisture
(73.1500%) in To, fat (4.0267%) in T. Ash (3.6700%) in
T₂ and carbohydrate (6.5767%) was highest in initial
fish. Hence, it can be concluded from the above results
that the addition of banana peel powder supplemented
diet at the inclusion level of 4% in fish diet can be
recommended to increase the fish growth and
aquaculture production.
Achievements:
PROMOTION: Dr. Naresh Kumar Mehta, Assist.
Professor, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra,
Agartala got promoted to Assist. Professor Senior
Scale (7000 /- AGP) with effect from 22.10.2020.
New Books:(1) A study on age growth and
harvestable size of Catla catla fish: Dr Bhatt Nakul
A., Dr. B. K. Sharma, Dr. S. K. Sharma (2018) ;Lap
Lambert Academic Publishing, 1-105 pp.;ISBN No.
978-613-8-38964-4 (2018)
The book deals with the certain fish biological aspects
from Lake Pichhola, Udaipur, Rajasthan.In the lake
Pichhola 20 fishes species representing 7 families
have been recorded.
(2) Zooplankton diversity of Udai Sagar Lake,
Udaipur :Mr. Bhatt Nakul A. ;Lap Lambert Academic
Publishing (2018); 1-101 pp ;ISBN
No.978-613-9-58561-8 (2018).
The book is based on a study on planktonic diversity
of Udai Sagar lake, Udaipur representing total 36
species of zooplankton.
Obituaries:
During the corona pandemic we untimely lost a few of
our friends and well-wishers who were also
associated closely with fisheries and/or lake
conservation and our ongoing environmental
education activities. We pray almighty to provide a
heavenly abode to all these departed souls.
A sincere and dedicated professor of geography,Dr
R.N.Vyas was a jenius academician
with elements of a good teacher and
researcher. He served MLSU in
different capacities as Prof. &
Head,Department of Geography and
Dean of Arts College. After his
retirement he went to Malaysia on
special academic assignment. Dr
Vyas worked as Co-PI in a
DST,Jaipur sponsored research
project on Impact of urbanization on water systems of
Bedach River. He was a man of principles and human
ethics. Unfortunately during second wave of Corona
pandemic Dr Vyas left for heavenly abode on
10.5.2021.

11. 11
Gopal Das Soni, the most
straightforward and simple
personality from M.Sc. Zoology(L &
F) batch of 1973,joined the post of
Assistant Fisheries Development
Officer and retired in 2011 as Asst.
Director.He left this world due to
corona on 13.5.2021.
An expert in building construction Haji Noor
Mohammad Sheikh was a very simple & down to
earth person. He did government
services in PWD of Udaipur. After
retirement from government
services, sh.Noor Mohammad
served Jheel Hitashi Nagrik Manch
as an active environmental warrior.
Even at the age of 88 years, he
could be seen rowing a boat with
the help of oars and continued to
volunteer in the weekly program of
removing aquatic weeds in Pichola Lake and Rang
Sagar lakes.On 16.9.2021sh.Noor Mohhamad ji
departed from this world after a brief illness.
Prakash Tiwari was originally involved in teaching in
the government services but after retirement, his
inclination towards social work grew and he formed an
organization called Paryavaran Shiksha Samanvaya
Samiti to work in the field of
environmental education and did
this work with interest throughout
his life. sh.Tiwari, a simple
personality, was very popular in
his friends’circle and used to play
the role of a connecting link in
establishing dialogue.The role he
played in strengthening voluntary
removal of weeds and lake
cleaning activities was
praiseworthy. During the last
Corona period, he died suddenly on 20.10.2020 and
we lost a man who was passionate about
environmental education and lake conservation.
Recent Research Papers:
1. Banalata Rout, Mehta, N. K., Hemant Hari Triphati,
Sharma, S., Majumdar, R.K., 2022. Preliminary
investigations on antimicrobial, antioxidant and
nutritional properties of freshwater snail Brotia costula
(Rafinesque, 1833). Indian Journal of Fisheries.
69(2): 100-110, 2022. DOI:
10.21077/ijf.2022.69.2.116838-12 (NAAS rating-6.50)
2.Sharma, S., Majumdar, R.K. Mehta, N. K., 2022.
Gelling properties and microstructure of the silver carp
surimi treated with pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)
peel extract. Journal of Food Science and
Technology,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-022-05478-1. (NAAS
rating-8.70)
3.Mehta, N. K., R. K. Majumdar, D. Pal, M. B.
Priyadarshini1 and B. Dhar, 2021. Screening of fish
from retail markets for the presence of formalin and its
effect on the quality of fresh catla. Indian Journal of
Animal Health, 60(2): 244-252. (NAAS rating-5.50)
4.Mehta, N. K., Rout, B., Balange, A. K., & Nayak, B.
B. 2021. Dynamic viscoelastic behaviour, gelling
properties of myofibrillar proteins and histological
changes in shrimp (L. vannamei) muscles during ice
storage. Aquaculture and Fisheries. PP-1-8, Cite
Factor- 5.5
5.Uma Buda, M. Bhargavi Priyadarshini, R.K.
Majumdar, S.S. Mahanand, A.B. Patel, N.K. Mehta,
2021. Quality characteristics of fortified silver carp
surimi with soluble dietary fiber: Effect of apple pectin
and konjac glucomannan. International Journal of
Biological Macromolecules, 175, 123-130. (NAAS
rating- 12.95)
6. Samantaray, S., Mehta, N. K., Rout, B., Majumdar,
R. K., Sharma, S., Nayak, A., & Pal, P., 2021. Effect of
Repeated Freezing-Thawing on Protein Fractions,
Textural, and Functional Properties of Few Species of
Freshwater Fishes (Indian Major Carps). Journal of
Aquatic Food Product Technology, 30(1), 31-48.
(NAAS rating- 7.77)
7.Mohanty, U., Majumdar, R. K., Mohanty, B., Mehta,
N. K., & Parhi, J., 2021. Influence of the extent of
enzymatic hydrolysis on the functional properties of
protein hydrolysates from visceral waste of Labeo
rohita. Journal of Food Science and Technology,
58(11), 4349-4358. (NAAS rating-8.70)
8. Nayak, A., Majumdar, R. K., Mehta, N. K., Mohanty,
U., & Samantaray, S., 2021. Effect of feeding habits of
fish on the characteristics of collagenolytic proteases
isolated from the visceral waste. Journal of Food
Science and Technology, 58(4), 1585-1592. (NAAS
rating-8.70).
___________________________________________
Compiled and edited for Rajfisheries Group for
internal circulation by Dr L.L.Sharma, Prof. &
Dean(Retd.), College of Fisheries, MPUAT,Udaipur)
PN 207 Road 13, Ashok Nagar, Udaipur-313001,Raj.
(M) 9829230343,
E mail: llsharma.206@gmail.com