BIOFLOC FISH FARMING

Fish is one of the healthiest foods on the planet as it's high in proteins, omega-3 fatty
acids, minerals, and other nutrients. Indian fisheries and aquaculture are vital food-producing
sectors that contribute to agricultural exports and employ approximately 14 million people in
a variety of activities. High productivity and sustainable fish farming is the need of the hour
in the fisheries industry. Biofloc Fish farming is a new environmentally friendly aquaculture
technique based on the production of microorganisms in-situ. When compared to traditional
fish farming, this technology is less expensive.

Biofloc aquaculture is a method of raising microorganisms and fish together that

overcomes the very critical feed costs,
space constraints, overcrowd. The
nutrients can be continuously
recycled and reused in the culture
medium, benefited by the minimum
or zero-water exchange. The
bacterium Lactobacillus should be
deposited first in the fish tank. After a
few days, the bacteria - eating fish
will be deposited in it. The fish's
excretion will be converted back into
protein by the bacteria. For that, the
air pump must work 24 hours a day. The air pump in the generator should run within 15
minutes of a power outage. Failure to do both will result in the death of the flock or fish in
the reservoir.

Biofloc should be formed in the tank before depositing the fingerlings. A 200 liter
inoculum (microorganism) should be prepared for a tank with a storage capacity of 20,000
liters. To do this, add 4 kg of dry soil, 2 g of ammonia sulphate and 40 g of fermented jaggery
collected from the aquaculture in a 200
litre water barrel and pour into the tank
after giving strong aeration for 24-36
hrs. This leads to the growth of
microorganism that leads to biofloc
formation. In the following days, pour
the fermented jaggery in the prescribed
proportions. The fingerlings can be
deposited in the tank within 10-14 days.
Each tank can hold 1250 babies. Tilapia
fish are best suited for rearing in such
biofloc tanks. The water quality of the tank should be checked at regular intervals. Feeding
floating pellets should be given three to four times daily. This method of farming can reduce
the amount of fish feed by up to 30% by feeding the fish biofloc.
 The fish can weigh up to 500gms in 6 months. The circular tank with a diameter of 5
m and a height of 1.2 m should be made of nylon sheet inside a ring of iron wire. Necessary
plumbing work should be done to allow sewage to flow out from the center of the bottom of
the tank and to bring water into the tank. A tank of this size can store 20,000 litres of water.

Under the PMMSY scheme of the Central Government, 500 biofloc units will be set
up in Kerala at 40 per cent subsidy. The government subsidy is 40% or Rs. 3 lakh for a unit
costing Rs 7.5 lakh. The remaining Rs. 4.5 lakh is the farmer's share. Biofloc technology is
the future of fish farming as it maximizes fish farming productivity by effectively breaking
down wastes promotes healthy flocculation and helps in zero water exchange. This
sustainable and eco-friendly technology will be of great help to fish farmers in future.