Dioli Carp Farm Achieves Major Breakthrough

Himachal Moves Towards Self-Reliance in Fish Seed Production

Himachal Pradesh has achieved a significant breakthrough in fish seed production with the successful control of the long-standing ‘air bubble’ disease at the Dioli Carp Farm in Una. The achievement is expected to enable the state to produce healthy and quality fish seed locally, reducing dependence on supplies from other states and helping lower government expenditure.

For years, the disease had posed a major challenge in the breeding of Indian Major Carp, with nearly 95 to 98 percent of the spawn being lost after production. With scientific support from the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, along with specialised feed, technical training and improvements in water quality management suited to local conditions, the department has now achieved complete control over the problem.

The breakthrough is in line with the state government’s focus on promoting the blue economy and strengthening the income and livelihoods of farmers and fishers through better utilisation of local resources.

Assistant Director, Fisheries Department, Una, Vivek Sharma said the department is targeting the production of around one crore spawn this year, from which 8 to 10 lakh healthy fingerlings are expected to be developed.

He said the achievement would have benefits beyond Dioli, as the fingerlings produced at the farm would be used for fish stocking in major reservoirs of the state, including Gobind Sagar and Pong Dam. Availability of quality fish seed locally will reduce dependence on other states and subsequently benefit fish farmers and fishermen dependent on these reservoirs.

A long-standing challenge in carp breeding

Vivek Sharma said the ‘air bubble’ problem had remained a major challenge in Indian Major Carp breeding. After the spawn was produced, a physiological problem would develop, resulting in the loss of 95 to 98 percent of the spawn. Consequently, only a small proportion of the spawn could develop into healthy fingerlings.

Scientific intervention brings results

To address the problem, the Fisheries Department entered into a technical collaboration with CIFA, Bhubaneswar. Based on scientific recommendations, the department introduced specialised ‘CIFA Brood Feed’ and arranged training for its officials in advanced breeding techniques and water quality management at Bhubaneswar.

However, the problem could not be completely eliminated initially. This year, the department made further changes to various water-quality parameters at Dioli, taking into account the farm’s local conditions. These technical interventions resulted in complete control of the air bubble problem and successful production of healthy spawn.

Target of 8 to 10 lakh healthy fingerlings

Following the breakthrough, the department is now focusing on scaling up production. Around one crore spawn are expected to be produced this year, with a target of developing 8 to 10 lakh healthy fingerlings.

The availability of healthy and quality fish seed within the state is expected to benefit fish farmers and reduce the need to procure seed from outside Himachal Pradesh.

From Dioli to the state’s reservoirs

The Dioli Carp Farm primarily undertakes the breeding and propagation of six major fish species, including Common Carp, Amur Carp, Koi Carp and Indian Major Carp (IMC).

Breeding of Common Carp and Amur Carp has been highly successful at the farm for the past 10 to 15 years. The farm generally produces around two crore spawn annually. The resulting fish seed is supplied to local farmers and fish farmers, while the remaining seed is used for stocking major reservoirs across the state.

This year, the healthy fingerlings produced at Dioli will be stocked in Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam and other major reservoirs, providing a stronger foundation for fisheries development.

Reduced dependence on outside supplies

Vivek Sharma said Himachal Pradesh has traditionally depended on other states for fish seed, particularly for stocking large reservoirs such as Gobind Sagar and Pong Dam. Procuring seed from outside the state also places a financial burden on the government.

With quality fish seed now being produced locally at Dioli, dependence on external supplies is expected to decline. This will promote better utilisation of the state’s own resources and help reduce government expenditure on fish seed procurement.

Potential to boost fish production and fishermen’s incomes

The healthy fingerlings produced at Dioli will be stocked in major reservoirs, which is expected to strengthen fish populations and increase fish production. This could provide better catches for local fishermen and contribute directly to their income and livelihoods.

The success at Dioli marks an important step towards making Himachal Pradesh more self-reliant in quality fish seed production. It is also expected to strengthen the economic prospects of fish farmers and communities dependent on the state’s reservoirs.

Focus now on sustaining the success

After achieving complete control over the long-standing disease, the Fisheries Department is now focused on maintaining the results and meeting its target of producing 8 to 10 lakh healthy fingerlings.

The transformation at Dioli is set to extend beyond the farm, with healthy fish seed being supplied to reservoirs across Himachal Pradesh. The initiative is expected to strengthen fisheries development and ultimately create greater livelihood opportunities for the state’s fishermen.

Samagra Sikhsha