AQUACULTURE TO SUPPLY PROTEINS IN CLIMATE CHANGE INDUCED DROUGHTS

Biofloc Technology (BFT) is a way to produce fish or shrimp, using minimal water exchange, recycle feed and develop a healthy food chain. There are a number of advantages to this technology, such as efficient use of water, requiring less feed (-20%) and requiring feed with lower protein contents as compared to other methods. The technology has a build-in bio-security and give protection against diseases outbreaks.

Yet, the penetration of BFT into the family small scale farming is slow  (regardless of some intrinsic advantages for family scale ponds).

The success of sporadic courses, defined as number of productive farms established by graduates od such courses, is quite low.

One reason for the low success rate is the time between the course and practical work of planning and practice. In addition, there is a lack of assistance and consulting once you want to start a  BFT farm.

Actually, biofloc technology operation should be rather easy. The system is forgiving and adjustable as to be exemplified. To control the C/N ratio, the  main tool of controlling the food chain does not need to use complicated equations, and as to be demonstrated is as simple as driving a car.

Biofloc technology can be done using different production intensity, different pond systems and adjusted to market needs  as suiting any given farm or farmer.

What do we need to get these principles into practice:

1. There is a need for several centers (in the state or district scale), where the farmer can get advice on planning, purchasing or getting replies to specific questions.
2. Popular brochures in the local languages should be published and distributed.
3. Industry has a duty and opportunity to provide suitable feeds, equipment and materials for the BFT farms market. Thus, there is a need for feeds with lowered protein concentrations, priced according to save of protein. Presently, it is difficult to get such feeds.
4. Universities and colleges have to give basic and practical courses so as to train high level farmers, extension officers planes and consultants. India, as well as other countries lack such trained people.