Farmers in Khairahani, Kumrose, Gunjanagar and Dibyanagar areas are constructing larger ponds as their products are getting good price in the market. Local farmers have also formed different groups to run large scale fish farms. Asia Fish Farmers Group in Kumrose and Dandagaun Farmers Group have constructed ponds spread over as much as six hectares each.
Until last year, commercial fishery was done in about 250 hectares in Chitwan district. This year farmers have started fishery in additional 50 hectares.
“Large scale fish farms are coming up in Kumrose, Khairahani, Gunjanagar and Divyanagar areas. One-third of the newly build fish ponds lie in these areas,” Hira Lal Bhusal, Fishery Development Officer, said.
In the past, fish farming was mainly concentrated in Piple, Bhandara and Madi areas.
Chitwan farmers have launched a campaign to boost fish production as fishes imported from India are found to have been contaminated with formalin -- a harmful chemical.
“Many farmers were attracted toward fishery due to the campaign to replace Indian fish import. As farmers are finding good market for their products, other farmers are also mulling over starting commercial fishery,” Jotendra Mahato, president of District Fish Farmers Association, said.
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