Coldwater Fishery in Jhora Ponds of Darjeeling Himalaya: its Prospects in Sustenance

Dr. Sudip Barat

Professor

Aquaculture & Limnology Research UnitDepartment of Zoology

University of North BengalEmail id- sudipbarat@rediffmail.com

Rapid demotechnic growth and change in natural environment due to industrialization and urbanization is pushing biodiversity to the brink of extinction

This involves Darjeeling Himalaya, an integral part of the most magnificent the Eastern Himalaya which is an important Biodiversity Hotspot with variety of flora and fauna along with some endemic species.

Darjeeling Himalaya is bestowed with unsurpassed biodiversity, traditional, villages, agricultural settlements, livestock rearing, small markets and many water bodies (high and mid altitude rivers and many perennial spring fed ponds called Jhora ponds)

More or less all the rivers are impacted causing a decline in the fish

population

Major factors involved are-

Construction of highways, roads, bridges and dams

Destruction of riparian vegetation and watershed forest

cover

Denudation causing high siltation, boulder and sand lifting,

landslides

Disposal of untreated sewages

Indiscriminant use of pesticides and fertilizer in agricultural

practices, altered land use pattern

Rampant fishing and use of illegal fishing methods

Rampant fishing and use of illegal fishing methods includes:-

Diversion of river channel

Netting

Angling

Fish-spearing

Rock striking or hammering

Dynamiting

Electric fishing

River poisoning (plant extracts and chemicals etc.)

Kur thunnu

Use of traps

Diversion of river channel

Cast netting

Scoop netting

Rock striking

Dynamiting

Electro fishing

Kur thunnu (capture in breeding habitat)

Trapping

A big trap

Thokre trap

Dhadiya trap

Teesta, Rangit, Mechi, Balason, Mahananda, Lish, Gish, Chel, Murti and Jaldhaka are major rivers

These resources maintain relatively low temperature supporting a low production and slow growth of fishes

Thus supports unique and rich diversity of many indigenous fishes having both edible and ornamental value with great export potential

Out of the total 258 fish sps. belonging to 76 genera reported from Himalayas and Peninsular India, it has been reported that there are 65 sps. belonging to 39 genera and 25 sps. belonging to 15 genera in the river Teesta and Relli of Darjeeling Hills in West Bengal, respectively

Trouts, mahseer, carps (both major and minor) and loaches are important as sport, food and ornamental fishes

Barilius bendelisis (Ham.); Hamilton’baril (E).

Barilius tileo (Ham.); Tileo baril (E).

Barilius vagra (Ham.); Vagra baril (E).

Glimpses of endemic fish species of River Teesta and Relli

Garra gotyla gotyla (Gray); Sucker head (E).

Crossocheilus latius (Ham.); Gangetic latia(E).

Salmophusia bacaila (Ham.); Large razor belly minnow

Schizothorax richardsonii (Gray).

Chagunius chagunio (Ham.); Chaguni (E).

Schizothorax progastus (Mc Clelland)

Neolissocheilus hexagonolepis (Mc Clelland)

Cyprinion semiplotum (Mc Clelland);Assamese kingfish

Devario aequipinnatus (Mc Clelland); Giant danio (E).

Neolissocheilus hexastichus (Mc Clelland)

Tor putitora (Ham.); Golden mahseer (E)

Puntius gelius (Ham.); Golden dwarf barb (E)

Psilorhynchus sucatio (Ham.); River stone carp (E).

Psilorhynchus homaloptera (Ham.).

Canthophrys gongota (Ham.); Jaguar loach (E).

Pangio pangia (Ham.); Coolie loach (E)

Botia lohachata (Choudhuri); Y-loach (E).

Balitora brucei (Gray); Gray’s stone loach (E).

Aborichthyes elongatus (Hora).

Acanthocobitis botia (Ham.); Leopard loach (E).

Nemacheilus devdevi (Hora); Olivaceous loach (E).

Glyptothorax cavia (Ham.); Banded torrent catfish

Bagarius bagarius (Ham.); Goonch (E).

Ailia coila (Mc Clelland); Gangetic ailia (E).

Pseudecheneis sulcata (Mc Clelland)

Nangra nangra (Ham.); Kosi nangra (E)

Sisor rhabdophorus (Ham.); Whiptail catfish (E)

Amblyceps mangois (Ham.);Scissor tail catfish (E).

These findings of fish biodiversity study may provide baseline data for formulating new fishery policy for their conservation and management

Therefore, to protect the biodiversity and conserve the fish farmers of Eastern Himalaya various steps have been taken for conservation and sustainability.

Aquaculture in hills has not attained appreciable magnitude of commercial importance

Attributed to slow growth rate and meagre transport facilities

Catches sold to nearby villages or local markets fetching low prices

Jhora Fishery an important aspect of Coldwater Fishery in Darjeeling Himalaya

It provides an opportunity for socio-economic development of rural small and marginal farmers while aiding in their welfare

This fish culture system was initiated by the Department of Fisheries, Government of West Bengal in 1981, to raise fish seeds of carps

Site of a Jhora pond is always near a perennial

Jhora or stream of Limnocrene type from where

water is channeled into it.

There should be minimal possibility of landslide

and having a flat terrain.

The soil should be of a clayey-loamy texture for

better retention of water in a Jhora pond.

Generally, an area having 1500 sq ft is called one unit Jhora with probable dimension of 50ft. length and 30ft. breadth.

Plot with no danger of land seepage and percolation is selected for constructing the pond.

Presently, concrete tanks are being preferred by Jhora beneficiaries so that, the cost of maintenance of earthen ponds is reduced.

A perennial Jhora & Jhora pond(Phuguri)

Topography and Structure of Jhora Ponds

The shape of the pond is round, oval,square or rectangle.

Depth of the Jhora pond should be from 0.8 to 1.0 m.

A view of Jhora pond (Bungkulung)

Top netting of Jhora pond (Phuguri)

Very shallow and too deep ponds are not conducive for fish culture in the hills. Too deep ponds are not preferable because of low water temperature whereas, in very shallow ponds the fishes are likely to be vulnerable to birds of prey.

Jhora pond showing inflow of water(Phuguri)

Most farmers prefer monoculture of exotic carps while some prefer stocking indigenous fish species.

Amongst indigenous species, chocolate Mahseer, Neolissocheilus hexagonolepis, also known as Katli is most popular whereas, amongst the exotic fish species Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.,) and Common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.,) are cultured.

Ornamental fishes are also encouraged because of their high market value and short period of culture. Moreover, in Jhora pond fish culture the colour and shape of the ornamental fish is considered for marketing.

The culture period in the Darjeeling hills for both edible and ornamental fishes usually ranges from March to October because the optimum temperature is suitable for growth and metabolism of fish.

Depending on local conditions of seed availability and nutrient status of pond selection of species is done.

Stocking of the ponds with fingerlings of 100-150 mm size for better survival and with maximum stocking density @ 2240 nos./unit Jhora Pond is preferred. However, the stocking combination and densities are selected mostly on an ad-hoc basis.

Fishes cultured , their management & stocking rate

Over the years, Jhora Fishery units were subjected to unscientific culture practice system

Provides opportunities for the scientific community to evaluate the problems faced by the Jhora fishers as well as, the strength and weakness of the sector while focusing on improvement of rural livelihood through better technologies and innovations.

During the last few years, several on-farm trials were conducted to culture both ornamental and edible fishes of indigenous and exotic types on an in integrated manner with livestock-cum-horticulture in Jhora ponds of Darjeeling Hills in West Bengal

Trial No.1:Integrated culture of Neolissocheilus hexagonolepis (McClelland) with Pigdung in Jhora Pond at Pemling

(Kalimpong) for 6 months

View of the site at Pemling (Kalimpong) showing a Jhora Pond with integration of other farming

Lecture training to the beneficiaries

BENEFICIARIES ENGAGED IN MANAGEMENT OF JHORA PONDS

Renovation & management of Jhora pond

A Jhora pond beside vegetable garden

Piglets given to beneficiaries

Distribution of fish seeds

An Expert showing netting to the beneficiaries Netting practiced by the beneficiaries

Plankton analysis by the Field Assistant, Pemling, Kalimpong

The harvest of N. hexagonolepis after six months at Pemling

March April May June July August0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

Average Monthly Growth of Katli

Pigdung

Grow

th (g

)

A line diagram showing average monthly growth increment of Katli

Pigdung manuring showed good growth increment per month of N. hexagonolepis with average final weight gain of 400g after a period of six months

Fig.- Adult Pig slaughtered and Pork being sold

Fig.- Adult Pig after six months of rearingFig.-Piglets born

A Beneficiary harvesting fishes Harvested Fishes

HARVEST OF FISH AFTER EIGHT MONTHS OF CULTURE PERIOD

Expert showing Packing of live fishes

Farmers with oxygen packed brooders for transportation, Pemling, Kalimpong

Demonstration on Induced Breeding

a. Square Portable Hapa being demonstrated b. Some Broods of Katli inside the Hapa placed

Beneficiaries engaged in breeding practice

Beneficiaries listening to the expert on dose requirement of Ovaprim

Demonstration of Injection being given to a brooder

Trial No. 2Integrated culture of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella

Val.,) and Common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.,) under different integration system at Phuguri and

Bungkulung (Mirik)

Aerial view of the selected site with Integrated

Farming at Phuguri (Mirik)

A Close view of Jhora Pond with Integrated Farming at

Phuguri (Mirik)

Harvest of Grass Carp & Common Carp after six months at Phuguri, Mirik

Farmers with the harvested fishes, Phuguri, Mirik

Oxygen Packing of harvested fishes for transportation from Jhora Pond, Phuguri, Mirik

Demonstration of Hypophysation technique at Bungkulung, Mirik, under Cold Water Fishery Project

Groups of trainees at Bungkulung, Mirik

Groups of trainees at Manju Lepcha Villa, Bungkulung

050

100150200250300350400450

May June July Aug Sept Oct

Grow

th (g

)

Average monthly growth of Grass carp

T1 (Control)

T2 (Cowdung)

T3 (Pigdung)0

50100150200250300

Grow

th (g

)

Average monthly growth of Common carp

T1 (Control)

T2 (Cowdung)

T3 (Pigdung)

A line diagram showing average monthly growth of (a) Grass carp and (b) Common carp

Cowdung manuring showed more positive influence on absolute growth rate of Ctenopharyngodon idella and pigdung showed positive influence on absolute growth rate of Cyprinus carpio

Mean ± SE of absolute monthly growth rates of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.,) and Common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.,) under different integration system at Bungkulung (Mirik)

Treatments Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) (g/month)

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio)(g/month)

T1 (Control) 28.42 ± 8.97a 15.83 ± 4.09a

T2(Cowdung) 63.42 ± 19.37b 24.17 ± 5.28ab

T3(Pigdung) 40.08 ± 8.26ab 37.5 ± 7.93b

Different superscripts (a and b) denotes significant difference and similar superscripts denote non-significant difference between

treatments at 5% level (N=6).

Further, it was observed that, ponds treated with cowdung have higher production of Ctenopharyngodon idella (3600 kg/ha/year) than Cyprinus carpio (1350 kg/ha/year) whereas, pig dung has higher production of Cyprinus carpio (2000 kg/ha/year) than Ctenopharyngodon idella (2250 kg/ha/year)

Trial No. 3 Integrated culture of two ornamental fishes, Gold Fish (Carassius auratus)

and Milky carp (Cyprinus carpio vr. koi) with cowdung in Jhora Pond at Bungkulung (Mirik)

Harvest after three months

Ornamental Fish culture in Jhora Pond at Bungkulung, Mirik: Approach to increase socio-economic condition

Oxygen packed ornamental fishes are acclimatized in Jhora Pond

Acclimatized fishes are being released in Jhora Pond

Ornamental Fish culture in Jhora Ponds

 

Colour and shape were the main criteria for marketing.

Marketing condition was obtained after 3 months.

Jhora pond fish culture showed to be a very important resource for rearing of ornamental

Gold fish Milky Carp

Beneficiaries engaged in (a) The harvest of milky carp after three months

Expert Showing Hypophysation Technique

Economics

The expenditure incurred and income received by selling each farm produce was recorded and compiled for calculation of average income from different component of the farming system.

Cost-benefit analysis was carried out on the basis of the market prices following procedure as suggested by Jolly and Clonts (1993).

Profit (Benefit) = Gross Output –Total Cost

Benefit achieved per unit expenditure, that is, Benefit (B) : Cost (C) ratio, from the different farming systems was calculated as per the following formula :

B: C ratio = Benefit : Cost

S.No Integrated fish farming with Pigs Amount (Rs.)

1. CAPITAL COSTi. Minor repairing & renovation of existing JHORA tank including repairing of water intake system (one time only)

2000

2. CULTURE COSTi. Limingii. Fingerlings (10cm) 1500 no. @ Rs. 3000/thousandiii. Fish feed 200kgs/each pond @ Rs. 18 per kgiv. Netsv. Pigstyvi. Piglets 30 days old indigenous variety (1 male and 1 female) @ Rs. 1500

per each.vii. Pig feed viii. Vegetable plants cultivation

6545003600

2001200

300040002500

2- Total 15465Total -(1 + 2) 17465

3. PRODUCTION & INCOMEi. Selling of fish 300 kg/each pond (average) @ Rs.110 per kgii. Selling of Pork 200 kg/each pond (average) @ Rs.110 per kgiii. Selling of vegetables

3300022000

40003-Total Income 59000

4. ECONOMICSi. Gross income by fish , pig and vegetablesii. Total Production costiii. NET PROFIT

590001746541535

Average income generated through Integrated Fish Farming Practice of N. hexagonolepis with Pig and Vegetable for a period of six months

Economics of Fish Culture 

S.NoIntegrated fish farming Amount (Rs.)

1.CAPITAL COSTi.Minor repairing & renovation of existing JHORA tank including

repairing of water intake system (one time only)ii.Renovation of Cowshed & Pigsty

T1(Control) T2 T3

2000

-

2000

1000

2000

1000

2.CULTURE COSTi. Liming @ Rs 22 per kgii. Grass Carp fingerlings (10 cm) 800 no. @ Rs. 2 eachiii. Common Carp fingerlings (10 cm) 200 no. @ Rs. 3 eachiv. Fish feed- Rice Bran 50kgs /each pond @ Rs. 12 per kg Mustard oil cake 50kgs /each pond @ Rs. 22 per kgv. Netsvi. Pig feedvii. Cow Fodderviii. Vegetable plants cultivation

1101600

600

6001100600

- - -

1101600

600

6001100600

-15002000

1101600

600

6001100600

3000 -

2000

2- Total 4610 8110 9610Total -(1 + 2)

6610 11110 12610

3.PRODUCTION & INCOMEi. Selling of fishes- Grass Carp 70kg, 180 kg & 115 kg, respectively @ Rs. 200 per kg Common Carp 50 kg, 67.5 kg & 100 kg respectively @ Rs. 250 per kgii. Selling of Pork 180 kg (average) @ Rs.110 per kgiii. Selling of Milk 90 kg/month (average) @ Rs.25 per kgiv. Selling of vegetables

1400012500

- - -

3600016875

-135005000

287502500019800

-5000

3-Total Income 26500 71375 73550

4.ECONOMICSi. Gross income by fish , pig and vegetablesii. Total Production costiii. NET PROFIT

265006610

19890

713751111060265

723001261060940

Economics of Integrated Fish Farming Practice (Grass Carp & Common Carp) and Horticulture for a period of six months

S.NoIntegrated fish farming with Cowdung Amount (Rs.)

1.CAPITAL COSTi. Minor repairing & renovation of existing JHORA tank including repairing of water intake system (one time only)

2000

2.CULTURE COSTi. Liming @ Rs 22 per kgii. Gold fish fingerlings (2 cm) 500 no. @ Rs. 5 eachiii. Milky Carp fingerlings (6 cm) 500 no. @ Rs. 3 eachiv. Fish feed- Rice Bran 10kg @ Rs. 12 per kg Mustard oil cake 10 kg @ Rs. 22 per kgv. Netsvi. Cow Fodderviii. Vegetable plants cultivation

11025001500

120220600

15002000

2- Total 8550Total -(1 + 2)

10550

3.PRODUCTION & INCOMEi. Selling of fishes- Gold fish 480 No.s @ Rs. 35 per each Milky Carp 450 No.s @ Rs. 20 per each iii. Selling of Milk 90 kg/month (average) @ Rs.25 per kgiv. Selling of vegetables

168009000

6750 5000

3-Total Income 37550

4.ECONOMICSi. Gross income ii. Total Production costiii. NET PROFIT

375501055027000

Economics of Integrated Fish Farming Practice of Gold Fish and Milky Carp with cowdung for a period of three months

TrialsTotal Expenditure (TE)

(Rs in lakhs crop ¹־ unit ¹־ )

Gross Income (GI)

(Rs in lakhs crop ¹־ unit ¹־ )

Net Income

(Rs in lakhs crop־¹ unit ¹־ )

BC ratio

( GI/TE)

Trial-1 0.17428 ± 0.000d 0.58963 ± 0.000b 0.41535 ± 0.001b 3.38 ± 0.017a

Trial-2 (T1) 0.06460 ± 0.001a 0.26491 ± 0.000a 0.20032 ± 0.001a 4.10 ± 0.084c

Trial-2 (T2) 0.11040 ± 0.000b 0.71366 ± 0.000c 0.60327 ± 0.001e 6.46 ± 0.022e

Trial-2 (T3) 0.12510 ± 0.001c 0.72303 ± 0.001d 0.59793 ± 0.001d 5.78 ± 0.029d

Trial-3 0.20766 ± 0.001e 0.75032 ± 0.001e 0.54266 ± 0.001c 3.61 ± 0.027b

Mean ± SE of total expenditure, gross income and net income (profit) under Trial-1, Trial-2 (T1, T2, T3) and Trial-3

Different superscripts (a, b, c, d & e) denotes significant difference between treatments at 5% level. N=15 for all the parameters.

Benefit cost ratio (BC ratio) is higher for Trial 2 (T2)-6.46 followed by Trial 2 (T3)- 5.78, Trial-2 (T1)- 4.10, Trial 3-3.38 and then Trial 1-3.38

Total sum of net income (profit) in percentage under NIFS, IFS-I and IFS-II during the four years (2008 to 2011).

Trial 118%

Trial 2 (T1)8%

Trial 2 (T2)26%

Trial 2 (T3)25%

Trial 323%

Net Income Percentage

Net income achieved was significantly (p≤0.05) higher for Trial 2 (T2)- Rs. 0.60327 lakhs followed by Trial 2 (T3)- Rs. 0.59793 lakhs , Trial-3- Rs. 0.54266 lakhs, Trial 1- Rs. 0.41535 lakhs and then Trial 2 (T1) - Rs. 0.20032 lakhs

Integrated farming system responds well when the number of component or enterprise involved are increased.

Farmers engaged in rearing of both ornamental and edible fishes, suiting to their agro-climatic zone, in Jhora ponds through integrated farming have shown satisfaction in their venture.

This has, therefore, improved their socio-economic condition or livelihood by making an average income of Rs. 6,000/- to Rs. 10,000/- per month with minimum impact of natural environment while maintaining the resources, so that it is renewable and thus sustainable.

In other words, the harvest of fish if performed with sound foundations in ecological and economic principles, can be sustainable and self-reliant.

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

The studies indicated that apart from substantial production of food fishes, the agro-climatic condition offered huge potential for ornamental fish farming. Further, it provides scope for recycling of waste, efficient resource and space utilization and ensuring environmental safety and sustainability as “Waste is converted to Wealth”.

Research initiatives undertaken (endeavor towards lab to land program)

1. Towards conservation of biodiversity- standardization of breeding behaviour and techniques

2. Nutrient requirement study of indigenous fish Katli or Neolissocheilus hexagonolepis for its wide culture in captivity

3. Probiotics formulation for major and minor carps

With gratitude the photographs of fishes are sourced from the Ph.D thesis submitted by Dr. Manik Lal Acharjee, Head Department of Zoology, Kalimpong College under my supervision, which have been used for dissemination of knowledge of this particular topic