Biofloc fish farming

Aqua culture can be known as rearing or cultivation of aquatic animals, plants for human purpose. It includes breeding rearing and harvesting of both aquatic animals and plants in controlled environment. In Nepalese economy, almost 1% of gross domestic production (GDP) is covered by aquaculture whereas 2.68% of agriculture gross domestic product is covered by it.

Fish is the major component of aquaculture which can be done either in traditional method (earthen pond) or in a sophisticated method (like BioFloc fish farming). In Nepal, fish farming is mostly adopted in terai areas.

Biofloc fish farming is a profitable method of fish farming. It is a low-cost way in which toxic materials for the fish such as ammonia, nitrate and nitrite can be converted into feed. The principle of this technique is to recycle nutrients. From this method Feed given to feed is not wasted in comparison to pond system. Bacteria and microorganism convert feed waste into feed supplement.

It was first started in France and practised in many Asian countries as a commercial method. India, Thailand and Malaysia are progressing from this sector.  In Nepal, research on this sector is not well done and resource are also not available.

Bioflocs are aggregated form of a algae, bacteria, protozoa and other kinds of particular organic matter. Heterotrophic bacteria are the main component of Bio floc. Bio floc converts unused feed and aqua animal faeces into live feed. This profitable method of fish farming is practiced in a tank which comes in various sizes, most common size is of 3 and 4 diameters. And regular aeration should be done.

Biofloc farming cuts all the major costs so that the savings can be really big. Several factors such as huge operational costs of feeding, disposal and discharge of waste sludge will not be problems for this method, Obstacles such as predators, flood, water sewage is not observed. Biofloc systems also reduces the spread of pathogens while also improving the health of fish.

It is important because it is best for small land holders, urban farmers/entrepreneurs. It can be start with small investment. This new scheme aims to help fish farmers as well as young entrepreneurs for the generations of income and livelihood support.