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(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN AQUACULTURE

(JANUARY-2025)

Technology such as Biofloc Technology (BFT) and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) has seen greater adoption in India’s aquaculture sector.

These technologies, while on one hand offer the advantages of intensified production, sustainability and reduced environmental impact, but on the other they also are able to keep diseases away.
The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, is promoting and encouraging the adoption of these approaches among farmers by providing subsidies through various schemes at national and state level.
The Indian scientific community, such as ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) and ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), are also actively researching different aspects of using BFT and RAS.

BFT is a closed tank-based fish farming approach which cleans the water in fish tanks by using beneficial bacteria (known as floc).
Process: Heterotrophic bacteria (commonly Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, Acinetobacter, and Alcaligenes) are used to convert organic waste (such as uneaten feed and fish waste) into microbial biomass, which can then be consumed by the fish or shrimp.

This process keeps the water clean without needing to change it often and at the same time reduces the risk of disease as well in the fish.
Water stays cleaner, hence farmers do not need to depend on external use of chemicals or antibiotics.
BFT also saves money on feed, as fish can get extra nutrients from the recycled waste, making it sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly for fish farming.
The inbuilt aeration system to maintain adequate dissolved oxygen levels to promote microbial activity, along with mechanical filtration reduces chances of infection.
Suitability: It is more suitable for small farmers with limited land as it can be established in a small area and even set up for backyard farming.

RAS is also a closed-loop tank-based farming that recycles water after filtration. RAS filters and cleans the water in the tank, removing waste and keeping it safe for the fish to live in.
Process: It has automated set up of culture tanks with both mechanical and biological filtration units, and effectively prevents the entry of pathogens from external sources.

It requires the minimal interventions to assess the culture, water and disease monitoring, which allows for improved biosecurity. So, fish are less likely to get sick and need for disinfectants or antibiotics is thereby reduced.
The RAS approach also offers a controlled environment for factors like temperature, oxygen levels and cleanliness, ensuring optimal conditions for healthy fish growth.
It can be set up indoors or in areas without natural water sources, allowing fish to be raised closer to cities and where demand is high.

Small cultivation window: In Uttar Pradesh, farmers talked about the window for fish farming being small — only 7-8 months, as November to March remain extremely cold.
Need for more training: In Odisha, farmers appeared to be more aware and trained for use of heating rods to maintain water temperature during winter.
Subsidies: Given the high cost of establishment, only farmers who are able to avail subsidies can afford to operate these technologies for farming.

More training and skilling: The need for more training was voiced by farmers as the system requires continuous monitoring, management of water quality parameters and maintenance and proper functioning of filters and other equipment.

More Subsidy penetration: Greater subsidy penetration is required so that most of the farmers can avail the benefit of technology.