66 JUNE 2019 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG been placed on development of the aquaculture sector, particularly in Assam and Tripura, where vast plains are available for expansion of the culture area. Although the region has the unique distinction of having a rich biodiversity of indigenous freshwater fish species, including a plethora of highly nutritious and commercially important SIFFS, only a few species of carps are popular as cultivated species. A good number of species with culture potential in the region have been identified that can be incorporated into culture systems to boost production, meeting consumer demand and taking advantage of the diverse water resources available in the region. However, very few studies have been conducted on the culture prospects, propagation and enhancement of these species. Here we review the importance of SIFFS and highlight their potential for aquaculture, discuss propagation techniques and provide suggestions for ensuring nutritional and livelihood security. Assam has the unique distinction of having traditionally managed family farms, locally known as bari. This family farming system generally includes different horticultural crops, plantation crops, livestock, birds, in addition to a multipurpose small pond to support sustenance and secure needed fish protein for the farm family. While the diversified cropping system makes judicious use of land, a pond in the homestead acts as a water reserve for the family, harvesting rainwater for irrigation and other domestic use as well as use for fish production (Figs. 3-6). Almost every rural household of Assam has a pond on their homestead that is generally used for various domestic activities. Most ponds are small (< 500 m2) and shallow (<1 m) and hence not suitable for culture of large carps. Although these homestead ponds are potential resources, they are not utilized properly for fish production mostly due to the gap of scientific information on suitable culture species and breeding and culture technology (Fig. 7). Breeding and Production of SIFFS in Assam The research project “Utilization of homestead ponds for culture of small fish species,” funded by the World Bank under the Assam Agricultural Competitiveness Project (AACP) at the Fisheries Research Centre, AAU, Jorhat, identified three popular and commercially important SIFFS – Mystus vittatus, Notopterus notopterus and Amblypharyngodon mola – that are suitable for culture under small homestead pond conditions in the state. These ponds (Figs. 8-10) can be utilized for culture of SIFFS to secure fish protein for farm families (Chetia Borah et al. 2013). Trials to propagate these species indicated that A. mola is a prolific breeder, spawning three times per year under small-pond conditions (Chetia Borah et al. 2010). Notopterus notopterus also naturally breeds in ponds with moderate weed infestation, with a breeding season from the last part of April to July and a peak breeding period during May and June (Chetia Borah et al. 2015). FIGURE 3 – 6. SIFFS at a roadside market in Assam.
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