Carp Farming

The minimum recommended pond size for commercial carp farming is 0.25 hectares (0.6 acres). However, for optimal production and management, ponds of 0.5-1 hectare are preferred. The pond depth should be maintained at 1.5-2 meters throughout the culture period.

Indian major carps typically reach market size (800g-1.5kg) in 8-10 months under proper management conditions. Growth rate depends on factors such as stocking density, feed quality, water temperature, and pond management. With intensive feeding, some species can reach 1kg in 6-7 months.

For semi-intensive polyculture, the recommended stocking density is 5,000-8,000 fingerlings per hectare. The species ratio should be: Catla (30-35%), Rohu (25-30%), Mirigal (20-25%), Common Carp (15-20%), and Grass/Silver Carp (5-10%). This combination utilizes all feeding zones of the pond efficiently.

Optimal water quality parameters include: Temperature 25-30°C, pH 7.0-8.5, Dissolved Oxygen >5mg/L (preferably 6-8mg/L), Ammonia <0.05mg/L, Nitrite <0.1mg/L, Total Alkalinity 80-200mg/L, and Hardness 75-150mg/L. Regular monitoring and maintenance of these parameters is crucial for healthy carp growth.

Initial investment for a 1-hectare carp farm ranges from LKR 700,000 to 900,000, including pond preparation (LKR 150,000), fingerlings (LKR 60,000), feed for 8 months (LKR 400,000), fertilizers (LKR 50,000), and labor/miscellaneous costs (LKR 100,000). With proper management, you can expect a net profit of LKR 500,000-600,000 per cycle.

Carps can be fed with supplementary feed containing rice bran (40-50%), groundnut oil cake (20-25%), wheat flour (10-15%), fish meal (10-15%), and soybean meal (10-15%). Commercial pelleted feeds with 25-30% protein are also available. Feed should be provided at 3-5% of body weight daily, adjusted based on growth stage.

Disease prevention includes: maintaining optimal water quality, avoiding overcrowding, providing balanced nutrition, regular pond cleaning, quarantining new stock, removing dead fish immediately, and periodic health checks. Apply lime (250kg/ha) during pond preparation and maintain 20-30ppm available chlorine for disinfection.

NAQDA provides: 50% subsidy for pond construction (up to LKR 500,000), subsidized fingerlings from government hatcheries, free technical training programs, soil and water testing services at nominal charges, and assistance in obtaining bank loans at concessional interest rates (4-6% per annum).

Yes, seasonal ponds that retain water for 6-8 months can be used for carp farming. Stock advanced fingerlings (50-100g) at the beginning of the water availability period. Choose fast-growing species like Common Carp and adjust stocking density based on the culture period available.

Marketing options include: direct sales to local markets, supplying to wholesale fish markets, contract farming with processors, live fish sales to restaurants and hotels, and value addition through processing. NAQDA assists in connecting farmers with buyers and provides market information through their extension network.