Semi-intensive Carp Culture in Saline Water-Logged Area: A Multi-Location Study in Shorkot (District Jhang) , Pakistan
Chughtai, M. I.; Mahmood, K.
Pakistan Journal of Zoology 44(4): 1065-1072
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-9923
Accession: 070684469
The saline water-logged area of Shorkot (District Jhang) along the Trimmu-Sidhnai Link and Haveli Canals is an excellent site for fish culture. Fish culture not only plays an important role in human nutrition but also in the rural economy of the country. The main purpose of present study was to identify the primary production and fish production patterns in villages under different management practices. Soil and water samples of seven selected fish farms were collected and analyzed for some physico-chemical and biological parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved O-2, free CO2, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), soil texture and plankton density. The costs and returns of carp culture in such saline water-logged areas were also calculated. Results indicated that all the six carp species were well adapted to different supplemental feeds along with salt-tolerant forages in saline environments. The net carps production ranged from 1198 to 1410 kg ha(-1) year(-1) and plankton density 565 to 1608 organisms L-1. The net profit obtained was Rs. 14652 to 19417 per acre with benefit-cost ratio 1.37 to 1.51 in brackish groundwater (EC 1.80 to 3.93 dS m(-1)), indicating the influence of environmental and management factors. The average fish yield was about 32.5% less than the yield obtained from freshwater pond culture. It may be concluded that saline aquaculture has potential to meet the demand of fishery products, generate income and contribute to sustainable food supplies.