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.
The fate of Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder of Paytm, a digital payment service provider, is go
Farmer Protest: Farmers will take out 'tractor parade' despite Supreme Court order
The farmers who are agitating on the borders of Delhi say that they welcome the initiative of the
Modi Greets Nation on Maha Shivratri
New Delhi, Feb 17 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday extended his greetings to the nati
Manali wrapped up in white blanket again
Shimla, Feb 2 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh's leading tourist resort Manali and its neighbouring area
Imran Khan wants to do TV debate with PM Modi, said- crores of people will benefit
Pakistan's Wazir-e-Azam and 'Byanveer' Imran Khan have given a new statement. He said he would li
Sukesh Chandrashekhar, a thug lodged in Delhi's Mandoli Jail, has written the fifth letter. Sukes
It's been almost 6 months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In such a situation, there has b
On Sunday, his former student opened fire at a university in Manila, the capital of the Philippin
Bangladesh's instability affects India: Tripura CM
Agartala, March 27 (IANS) If there is any turmoil in Bangladesh, it also affects India's peace,
The BJP has returned to power in the state on the face of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The nex
