54 MARCH 2024 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG TABLE 1. The estimated cost-benefit from chital farming in a pond of one ha. Items Feeding strategy I: Tilapia as II: Pellet feed II: Pellet forage fish only (@ 3% of biomass feed only of chital) + Forage fish A. Cost (USD) ($) ($) ($) Pond lease 120 120 120 Pond clearance 30 30 30 Lime @ 250kg/ha 60.15 60.15 60.15 Manure @ 10000 kg/ha 180.45 180.45 180.45 Urea (@250 kg/ha) and SSP (@ 500 kg/ha) 120.30 120.30 120.30 Chital seed @USD 0.06/piece 72.18 72.18 72.18 Feed (@ USD 0.36/kg) 18.05 198.50 360.90 Labor (100 mandays) @ USD 3.00/man-day 300.75 300.75 300.75 Miscellaneous (watch and ward, hiring net, transportation of fish, etc) 60.15 60.15 60.15 Total 962.03 1142.08 1304.88 B. Gross benefit Table fish @ USD 6.01/kg 3421.93 4927.19 3836.07 C. Net benefit (B-A) 2459.53 3793.36 2530.81 Conclusion There is a vast scope for aquaculture diversification, specifically regional aquaculture, through chital farming. As a highvalue fish, the potential to significantly augment farmers’ income with this species is considerable. Through captive cultivation, it is not only feasible to diversify regional aquaculture in India and neighboring countries but also to attain high-quality broodstock for captive breeding, seed production, and the revitalization or replenishment of natural water bodies with hatchery-produced seeds. This approach ultimately elevates their populations from “endangered” to “abundant.” Tilapia, often considered a pest in many water bodies, can be harnessed as promising forage for the production of this high-value fish, utilizing the principles of predator-prey aquaculture. By employing this strategy, populations of mollusks and tadpoles can be effectively managed, thereby fostering a balanced ecosystem. Furthermore, chital could be a potential candidate for open water enhancement through the application of cage culture and pen culture methods. In essence, the potential of chital farming encompasses a multifaceted range of advantages. Its role spans aquaculture, conservation, and ecosystem equilibrium, signifying a valuable contribution to both the industry and environmental sustainability. Notes Chandan Debnath, Division of Animal and Fisheries Sciences, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya-79.103, India. Email: chandannath23@gmail.com 1 OvaprimTM, OvatideTM
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