Aquacultural Potential of Derelict Waterbodies – A Case Study

Derelict waterbodies could be an important source to boost fish production for meeting the future fish demand of the country. The study has shown that fish yield from these waterbodies could be as high as 4.6 t/ha. Overall, net income per hectare through scientific management of derelict waterbodies has been found to be Rs 104443, with maximum and minimum net incomes per hectare being Rs 207416 and Rs 64033, respectively. Benefit–cost analysis has indicated that all waterbodies are favourable for aquaculture. Overall B-C ratio under the project has been found to be 3.82 and interestingly, scientific management of waterbodies could yield good income even from low level of investment. Such an activity can provide enormous income and employment opportunities in the rural areas. To encourage large-scale utilization of available derelict waterbodies for aquaculture, a prudent and well-conceived policy for leasing out derelict waterbodies and transfer of relevant technologies to the needy and interested farmers should be evolved. These steps would not only boost fish production in the rural areas, but would also provide much needed impetus to the growth and diversification of rural economy.