Author(s): D Sarkar, A Mukherjee, AK Chowdhury and AS Ninawe

Abstract: Present investigation explored the possibility of Macrobrachium rosenbergii farming in Terai zone to open up a new venture in aquaculture production for the socio-economic upliftment of the farming community. From the agro-climatic standpoint though Terai zone bears unfavourable soil and water characteristics for fish farming with high seepage, acidic pH and prolonged winter, but a favourable texture of sandy to sandy loam soil in seasonal ponds may explore the potential for the domestication of Macrobrachium rosenbergii and its expansion in Terai region. Experiments conducted on standardization of package of practice for farming post larva (PL) and juvenile in different culture system revealed that 15 PL (0.04g wt) rearing for 45 days in indoor condition is essential to make them grow into juveniles (>1.0g wt) those are suitable for further release into the stocking ponds, otherwise direct release of 15 PL into the nursery or rearing pond lead upto 90% mortality. All the culture system require seed to be stocked with profuse supply of feeding, artificial aeration and hiding shelter for optimum growth and production. Mixed farming of prawn juvenile with Indian major and medium carps surprisingly elicited better growth of juveniles in the rearing pond. Experiment on feed treatment indicated maximum growth and specific growth rate (SGR) in lab made pellet feed T5 prepared with Spirulina, a commonly used neutraceuticals to keep animal health better. T5 elicited 16% and 67% higher increase in growth and SGR respectively over T1 (commercially available S1 level feed). It is therefore concluded that freshwater prawn farming has a tremendous scope in terai zone; only the recommended package of practice along with profuse feeding to PL and juveniles needs to be followed to reach an average individual weight gain of prawn by at least 50-60 g in four month period (seasonal pond) that can fetch a good market value of >Rs.800/- per kg.

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