Closing the ‘performance gap’ of India’s aquaculture sector

Abstract

Finfish aquaculture is an important source of affordable and nutritious animal protein in India. In the state of Odisha, traditional semi-intensive earthen polyculture ponds dominate production, producing mainly Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Catla (Labeo catla), but also often with other species such as Mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus), Pangasius (Pangasius spp.), Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), and Amur Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio). Feeds are commonly a mix of agricultural raw materials, such as rice bran, mustard oil cake, cotton seed cake, and maize flour, with limited use of pelleted feeds. The ponds are also often fertilized using both organic and inorganic fertilizers. Limited gains have, however, been realized in terms aquaculture interventions, such as genetic gains, improved feeds, farm technologies and practices, and disease reductions. In the present study we benchmark the current performance of Indian aquaculture using life cycle assessments, and explore different potential innovations that could improve yields and/or limit environmental harm.