A fish farm set up by the Arunachal Pradesh government to encourage pisciculture and train local fish farmers at TR Camp in Lohit district is in dire straits and crying for urgent attention.
The farm, spread over two hectares of land, has witnessed recurring thefts and encroachments. On top of that, people have taken to use its premises as a grazing ground for cattle.
Exotic breeds of grass carp, common carp and silver carp, including Indian common carps such as Katla, Rohu and Mrigal, are cultured there for demonstration to local fish farmers.
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The farm produces 600 kg of fish every year adding Rs 60,000 to the government exchequer, but with proper condition the quantity can be hiked to 3,000 kg, district fishery officials say.
"The farm can potentially produce 3,000 kg of fish per year. With proper security in place, its current production of 600 kg can be greatly hiked," district fishery development officer L Lasha said.
What it urgently requires is a proper security wall to avoid theft, and fund to develop it as a full-fledged farm.
"The area has a vast scope for fish production if the government provides sufficient back-up to bring more areas under fish-farming," Lasha said.
