One of the sluice gates which has been re-built at the estuarine fish farm at Ela-Old Goa.
Photo Credits: Manuel Vaz
PANAJI
The Fisheries Department has begun work on renovation of its estuarine fish farm at Ela Dhauji-Old Goa, which will give a boost to aquaculture in the State.
The work on the farm, which was started in March, was halted due to the rains and will resume by mid-September.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be around Rs 4.5 crore.
Speaking to The Goan, Superintendent of Fisheries Chandresh Haldankar said the farm has not seen any major renovation since it was established more than 30 years back.
"Over a period of time, since there was no major maintenance, water was getting drained through leakages, predators used to enter inside along with other issues. The main issue faced was breaching of bundhs," Haldankar informed.
"As part of the renovation project, the bundhs will be strengthened from scratch by removing the mud and their height will be increased. Further, desilting of ponds will also be undertaken, the canal as well as the sluice gates strengthened along with other works," he added.
"Basically, this is a demonstration farm wherein demonstration is given to those wishing to venture into aquaculture. Once it is completely renovated, it can be used for multipurpose activities," Haldankar informed.
"Presently, the farm was used for limited aquaculture activity like shrimp culture. But now there are varieties of species like pearl spot, sea bass, mullet, milk fish, crab culture, mussel culture, etc."
"All seeds of these species are currently available along with culture technology. So for demonstration purpose, we can use the ponds for different cultures."
"Even, in shrimp culture there is a Venami variety (Tiger prawns), the seeds of which are available now. At the demonstration farm, we can demonstrate the Venami culture for the benefits of the farmers or entrepreneurs."
Stating that some farmers in the state are into culturing of species like sea bass, Haldankar said they require seeds which are currently not available in the state and farmers have to get them from other other parts of the country.
"Here, we can bring the seeds in large quantity and rear in the farm so that the farmers are able to buy in Goa itself," said Haldankar.
"We can start nurseries here and take care of the demands for species like sea bass, mullet, milk fish, pearl spot, mussel, among others. So with this intention and taking into account the latest technology available, we are developing the farm," Haldankar informed.
When questioned about the cost, he informed that the project is estimated to cost around Rs 4.5 crore.
"For the moment, 30% of the work is complete. Due to rains, the work is stopped but will resume by mid-September and will be completed in a year's time," Haldankar said.
