At present, the world population is about 7.837 billion. According to The United Nations, it will become 9.7 billion by 2050. This means the food demand will increase too. Biofloc fish culture has the potential to face this challenge.
What is Biofloc?
In biofloc fish farming- farmers can produce fish in artificial water reservoirs/tanks. They do not need ponds. This process is very efficient.
The main concept of Biofloc technology is a layer of useful bacteria, microorganisms, and algae which purify the water by absorbing harmful nitrogenous elements. The protein part of the layer is also used as food for cultured animals (fish). The layer filters the water by absorbing the waste material. To increase the growth of bacteria the farmers have to maintain a higher carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.
Why Biofloc?
There are some reasons why biofloc fish farming is so successful. It has many advantages. As the layers are protein-rich they are a very good source of vitamins and phosphorus for fish. Studies have shown that the floc can improve water quality to a great extent. It also traps toxic nitrogen. Biofloc is superior to conventional aquaculture techniques in terms of productivity. Decreased mortality rates, better growth rates, and increased larval growth indicate its significance. In this technique, less amount of food is required for the fish. Moreover, the nutrients can be reused in the same medium.
Day by day bio floc is becoming more famous as it is very profitable. In this method, a farmer doesn’t need to rent a large pond or land. A large number of fish can be cultured in a small space. And the waste is recycled to “feed”. Besides, it doesn’t depend on the season. This is how it cuts the investment cost and increases profit. At present many farmers in Bangladesh are producing shrimp in this method. In this system, the farmers can cultivate fish 10-20 times more than the conventional one. It has the potential to lessen the unemployment problem. People can take help from the government. agencies. Farmers can take a loan or call for investment as this is a profitable business. The Bangladeshi government is also supporting this system through various programs.
Anyone with proper training and funds can start biofloc fish farming. They can take help from concerned organizations. Banks also offer loans to farmers so that they can become successful. To cultivate fish in this method some types of equipment are needed. Tarpaulin tank, Aeration pump, Fittings, Air tube, Air tube connectors, Power generators, Biofilters, Degasser, Oxygen cylinder, Test kits, Healthy fish seeds, Chemicals, Probiotics, Medicines, and Feeds are important for the process. One can start with a single fish tank. The required area is about 4.5 in diameter. In a single tank, one can cultivate about 500-600 fish. If maintained properly within a few months one can see the face of profit.
Biofloc technology in terms of fish production has the potential to solve many challenges including the rising demand for fish, unemployment, land scarcity, food security, etc. Thus, we should follow it so that it can mitigate our socioeconomic problems.
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Writer,
HRIDAM ROSHAN PAUL
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE