Quarterly (May-July 2007) progress report of “Poverty Alleviation through Small Scale Aquaculture” Project
Project name : Poverty Alleviation through Small Scale Aquaculture (PATSSA)
Funded by : Aquaculture without Frontiers (AwF)
Implemented by : RDRS Bangladesh
Project duration : February 2007 – January 2011
Reporting period : May- July 2007
Major activities accomplished during second quarter (May - July 2007)
Pond stocking
All the ponds have been stocked within May 2007. The fingerlings were collected from the reliable nurserers who were contacted earlier. The assigned Manager (Fisheries) was physically present during stocking. The average stocking biomass was 0.67 kg and 1.2 kg for per decimal water area (decimal is the lowest unit for pond water measurement, and 247 decimal is equal to 1 hectare) at Lalmonirhat and Kurigram respectively. At Kurigram, we had over-wintering and larger sizes fingerlings. The stocking species are Rui, Catla, Mrigel, Silver carp, Carpio, Sarputi, Big head and Grass carp. A total of 60 fingerlings were stocked for per decimal water area.
Stakeholder Orientation
There was a daylong orientation workshop on 23rd May 2007 at Lalmonirhat for local level government officials. The local district and sub-district level Fisheries Officers; Farm-manager and RDRS officials were participated in the workshop. The project participants also participated. This orientation workshop was very helpful to farmers for knowing about different services and facilities of government department. This will develop linkage between the service providers and farmers for accessing into information and technologies. The government officials showed their interest and committed to support this project time to time.
Feeding
Farmers are giving supplementary feed @ 2 % body weight of fish. Mustard oil cake and Rice bran (1:2) are applying as supplementary food. The required amounts of feeds are given in two times in daytime. From mid July, due to rainfall pond fertilization has stopped. Emphasis has been placed on regular fish feeding, which farmers didn’t earlier. The assigned officers are giving suggestions while visiting the ponds. Banana leafs are applied for grass carp as these are available in this season.
Sampling
During last week of July’ 07, all the ponds have been sampled. Average biomass was found 2.58 kg and 4.25 kg for per decimal of pond at Lalmonirhat and Kurigram respectively. Over-wintering and large size fingerlings showed better result. Farmers are happy to observe fish growth. They are expecting good harvest. Every farmer has been supplied with a pond book and all the recurring costs, sampling data, feeding are recorded. Taking average weight of 5-10 fish of each species does sampling. Using a prescribed format collects the field reports.
Constraints/Problems
Now it is the rainy season here, and from mid July’07 heavy rainfall has occurred and is still continuing. Farmers are in anxiety in case their ponds are flooded. Normally that does not happen. However farmers have been advised to take care by raising pond dike (if possible) or to protect fish by netting where required.
Conclusion
The ponds have been stocked with quality fingerlings. Farmers are taking care of fish and expressed their satisfaction by observing fish growth while sampling. Regular feeding is very important for good harvest and farmers have been encouraged to ensure regular feeding. We hope that heavy rainfall will not affect the ponds. I believe this project will have a great impact in aquaculture in this region.