INCORPORATION OF TILAPIA Oreochromis niloticus AS AN ADDITIONAL COMPONENT IN SIX SPECIES CARP POLYCULTURE IN ASSAM, INDIA

Species diversification in fish culture is an effective step towards sustainable growth of the sector, provided the selection of the fish species fits to the agro ecological situation, prevalent culture system, market demand as well as bio security of the fish population. The initiation of Blue Revolution Mission in the country and its ongoing implementation in the state of Assam, calls for selection and introduction of diversified species, suitable for harnessing the productivity of existing pond resources of the state and tripling  fish production and doubling farmers' income as per motto of the Mission. Tilapia, the aquatic chicken, the once prohibited fish species in India and currently projected as the future fish species for the country has been attracting attention of the fish farmers and policy makers, for inclusion in the culture sector of the state of Assam.

The present study on culture feasibility of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as an additional incorporation to the six species composite culture under the prevalent agro-climatic condition of Assam, was conducted at Fisheries Research Centre, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, during 2014-17. The growth rate, gonado somatic index, breeding frequency and production per year were recorded consecutively for 3years under standard semi intensive carp culture condition. It was found that culture of Tilapia as an additional species for six species carp culture can provide 13.0-16.5% additional production from unit area without any additional input. Multiple harvesting of Tilapia (marketable size 150-300gm) at 2-3 months interval helps control of population growth as well as ensures additional intermediary income for the farmers. The prevalent agro-climatic condition of the state is suitable for culture of this species. The findings indicated that incorporation of this species may contribute in enhancing production, income and nutritional security for the farmers in the state. However the inherent problem of annual devastating flood in the state calls for responsible farming of Tilapia following the standard guidelines (Dept. of Animal husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, GoI, 2015).