An MBA graduate, an engineer, and a self-help group member – that’s the diversity of entrepreneurs taking up cage aquaculture in Odisha under the state’s Reservoir Fishery Policy. The cages of different dimensions and shapes are enclosed spaces with intricate net walls allowing the exchange of fresh water, with an opening on the top for feeding and maintaining the fish stock.
As part of a pilot project to augment freshwater fish production in the state, 96 entrepreneurs from across the state have taken up cage fish farming under the subsidised scheme. From these, 86 are in Hirakud, the world’s longest earthen reservoir.
With around 138 reservoirs covering an area of around two lakh (2,00,000) hectares, the state fisheries department plans to adopt advanced fish farming techniques for optimal fish production. Under the pilot project, the department plans to use only 1% of the total surface area under its control.
