Munish Sood
Mandi
The Fisheries Department has drawn up a series of measures to improve production and commercial utilisation of its Alsu Carp Farm in Sundernagar, with emphasis on scientific management, restoration of water supply and better marketing of fish and fish seed.
Director and Warden, Fisheries Department, Om Kant Thakur, inspected the farm and took stock of its existing infrastructure, water availability, rearing facilities and production potential. He directed officials to ensure that the available infrastructure was put to maximum and scientific use to enhance the farm’s overall output.
A key focus of the inspection was the restoration of the farm’s main water supply line from Alsed Khad. The line has remained non-functional for the past several years after being damaged by natural disasters. The director directed officials to examine the possibility of restoring the supply so that adequate water from the natural source could reach the farm, particularly to ensure that water shortages do not affect fish seed production.
The department is also looking at expanding the farm’s rearing capacity. The director directed the Assistant Director, Fisheries, Mandi, to consolidate three damaged rearing ponds and develop them into a single larger outgrow pond. The move is aimed at improving utilisation of the existing infrastructure and helping the farm achieve its targeted production of 500 kg of fish, alongside fish seed production.
To strengthen the farm’s commercial potential, officials were asked to explore home delivery of fresh fish produced at Alsu. The initiative is intended to provide consumers with fresh and quality fish at their doorstep while creating a stronger local market for fish produced at the departmental farm.
The department will also step up outreach to promote Alsu as a fisheries resource centre for local fish farmers and aspiring youth. A comprehensive awareness programme will be organised to provide information about fish farming opportunities, farm activities and the facilities available to farmers and other interested persons. Digital outreach through social media groups will also be used to reach a wider audience.
The director further directed officials to install a signboard near the Alsu farm on the Chandigarh-Manali four-lane highway. The signage is expected to improve the farm’s visibility and make it easier for fish farmers, local residents and tourists to locate the facility and purchase fish seed, ornamental fish and table fish.
The measures are aimed at transforming the existing infrastructure at Alsu into a more productive and commercially viable fisheries facility while expanding the availability of quality fish and fish seed in the region.
Assistant Director, Fisheries, Mandi, Neetu Singh, and other departmental officials were present during the inspection.
