Kolkata, Feb 6 (IANS) The research on the captive breeding of Bengal's favourite fish hilsa in saline tank water continues to hit roadblocks as the young fries are not surviving, said an official from the state's fisheries department.
"The research is going on from late 2013 in Barrackpore and Kakdwip. However, the fries (young fishes) are not surviving to maturity," Saptarshi Biswas, a scientist at the state government's directorate of fisheries told IANS.
According to Biswas, it will take another seven to eight years for the research to yield fruitful results.
"So far the fries are dying before reaching maturity and it may take another seven to eight years for the research team to succeed," he said.
The Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, aided by the central government, has been researching on developing the exotic fish under "controlled environment".
The need for captive breeding of the fish, considered a delicacy in Bengali cuisine rose on account of the rapid decline of the fish's numbers recently and the imports from Bangladesh dwindling.
Also, captive breeding of the fish would ensure normalcy of prices in the market and it's availability throughout the year. Retail prices of hilsa in the city vary between Rs.600 to Rs. 1,500 a kg depending on the size of the fish. Also, the fish is seasonally available during the monsoons.
The state government had initiated a variety of measures to breed the fish in captivity as well as protect the natural habitats of the fish. It also offered huge subsidies to fishermen to restrain them from catching the exotic fish during the breeding season.
The Institute of Aquaculture in Kakdwip is presently experimenting with changing the salinity content and the diet for the fries to help them reach maturity - the age when it can be harvested.
Frustrated with the continuous falling prices of onions, the farmers have stopped the sale of oni
West Indies cricket is preparing to revolutionize the T10 league. Under the Caribbean Premier Lea
Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan is currently promoting his upcoming action drama film Baby John. Mea
After addressing the country on Operation Sindoor, PM Modi reached Adampur Airbase in Jalandhar e
The first test match played between Australia and Pakistan in Rawalpindi ended in a draw. The mat
Heavy snowfall on mountains, prepare to avoid cold, how will be the weather in Delhi NCR
The hill states of North India received heavy snowfall on Monday. Major highways were closed in J
Kejriwal's coughing down by 75 percent, says doctor
Bengaluru, March 12 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's coughing has reduced by 75 pe
The amazing trailer of Vicky Kaushal's much-awaited film 'Sam Bahadur' was released yesterday on
Centre launches online grievance redressal for Overseas Indians
New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) The central government Saturday launched an online consular grievance
Cases of corona infection in India are increasing steadily. Millions of infected patients are bei
