Twenty five years of freshwater aquaculture extension research in the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha a review

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1 Indian J. Fish., 60(3) : , Note Twenty five years of extension research in the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha a review H. K. DE, G. S. SAHA AND P. JAYASANKAR Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar , Odisha, India e- mail: hkde@sify.com ABSTRACT Research in aquaculture extension commenced at the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, since During the past 25 years of research, several issues pertaining to socio-economic aspects of fish farmers were addressed. Notable among them are: behavioural dynamics of fish farmers, socio-economic status of fish farmers and breeders, evaluation of community based aquaculture, impact assessment of Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA), institutional arrangements for aquaculture development, effectiveness of training programmes, farmers perception about potential impact of climate change etc. Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) was operationalised for single window delivery of institute products, services and publications. A new model of Aquaculture Field School was piloted to promote farmer to farmer extension. Research findings enabled greater understanding of the social fabrics, which would lead to more effective extension education heralding all round development of fish farmers. Need for taking up in-depth studies on emerging issues like micro-enterprise promotion, institute building, gender issue etc. in the coming years is discussed. Keywords: Extension, Freshwater aquaculture, Transfer of technology Aquaculture development is closely related to the development of the ability of the farmer s understanding and adoption of new technology and they should be supplied with recent, useful and practical information on the subject. Thus, there is a need for an agency to interpret the findings of research to the farmers and to inform the problems of the farmers to the research stations for solution. The gap between the lab and land is bridged by extension agency through establishment of suitable teaching organisations at various levels of the administration. Aquaculture extension is being carried out in an organised way since independence. Besides the state machineries with its extensive network right from block level to cater to the developmental needs of fish farmers, there were some centrally sponsored projects having specific objectives. Transfer of technology projects launched during 70s and 80s such as All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Composite Carp Culture and on Air Breathing Fish Culture, Rural Aquaculture Project funded by International Development Research Centre (IDRC), World Bank aided Inland Fisheries Project etc. laid emphasis on adoption of new/proven technologies generated elsewhere. This period also witnessed material support to farmers being an integral part of extension efforts. A significant shift took place during 90s. Institute Village Linkage Programme (IVLP) was launched with an objective of providing technology packages suitable to microsystem within which a farmer operates. Farmers involvement in technology assessment and refinement gained momentum. On-farm research/on-farm trial helped a great deal in bringing in the missing link in technology generation process (De and Saha, 2005). This has not only led to the generation of refined technology but also enabled greater acceptance among the farming community. Technologies are demonstrated among end users so as to motivate them to adopt new practice for betterment of yield. In few cases, incentives are also given to the prospective farmers in the form of key inputs to encourage them to put new technologies to practice. However, many farmers discontinue practising new technology after the support in the form of key inputs is withdrawn. Many researchers have identified the possible reasons for non-adoption or in other words the constraints that prevent them from adopting new technologies. Constraints perceived by fish farmers Non-availability of quality seed: Edwards (1999); Bhaumik et al. (1988). Poor technical skill of farmers: McNeil (1984); Mukhopadhyay et al. (1989).

2 H. K. De et al. 136 Poor supply of credit to fisheries: Otubasin (1986); Manwaring and Romano (1990); Dey et al. (2001) Absence of organised marketing: Virendra Kumar (1984); Ghosh et al. (1995); Edwards and Demaine (1997) High cost of feed: De et al. (1999); Katiha et al. (2007) Social issues: Chakraborty (1993); Mohanty and Jena (1996); Radheyshyam et al. (2011). Constraints as perceived by Fishery Extension Officers Ananth and Vasanthkumar (2000) and Majhi and De (2004) reported following constraints perceived by Fishery Extension Officers such as: lack of manpower, equipments and mobility; high target set for FEOs; lack of proper linkage with research system; limited guidance from superiors; lack of opportunity for in-service training and no incentive for good work. These constraints indicate the hurdles in the process of technology transfer. The sooner these are removed, the wider will be the adoption of aquaculture technologies (Saha and De, 2001). Table 1 provides summarised information on the last 25 years of research in freshwater aquaculture extension conducted at CIFA. The major issues of aquaculture extension and transfer of technology addressed during the last 25 years are listed below: Extension research during Comprehensive definition of Aquaculture extension formulated Performance of state fish seed development corporation studied Change agent approach applied for transfer of technology Concept of relay centre for dissemination of research findings evolved Extension research during Adoption behaviour of fish farmers studied Constraints perceived by farmers for non-adoption identified Socioeconomic aspects of carp farmers analysed based on the data from six Indian states As a component of innovation in technology dissemination, Agricultue Technology Information Centre (ATIC) was established Studied community initiatives in aquaculture management in eastern India Impact of FFDA in promoting freshwater aquaculture in Odisha assessed Matrix of institutions performing fisheries development activities developed Extension research during Effectiveness of training programmes conducted by CIFA studied Measured level of satisfaction of the trainees Farmers perception about potential impact of climate change studied Aquaculture field school as a new model to promote farmer to farmer extension piloted During the first decade of aquaculture extension research, impressive beginning was made and a comprehensive definition of aquaculture extension was derived. A few transfer of technology projects were also operated during this period. During the decade , a number of research issues were addressed. Notable among them are: behavioral dynamics of fish farmers; socio-economic status of fish farmers and breeders; evaluation of community based aquaculture; impact assessment of FFDA and institutional arrangements for aquaculture development. Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) was operationalied for single window delivery of institute products, services and publications. A new model of extension Aquaculture field school was piloted during This model for promoting farmer to farmer extension has been well accepted by the fish farmers. Ascertaining the impact of CIFA s training programmes and understanding farmers perception about potential impact of climate change were undertaken. In coming years, the focus of aquaculture extension research would be : Promotion of micro-enterprises in freshwater aquaculture and facilitating them as viable business unit Participatory technology development : letting farmers have a say in technology development process Entrepreneurship development and Institution building Developing and testing Aquaculture Extension Model for effective transfer of technology Assessing impact of CIFA s technologies in improving socio-economic status of farmers Gender issues in aquaculture. Extension research provides inputs that render field extension work more effective. Policy advocacy and recommendations coming forth from research studies

3 Review of extension research 137 Table 1. A glimpse of 25 years of research in extension Title of the research project Duration Salient findings Technology transfer of Fish seed rearing, integrated fish farming with horticulture and composite carp culture technology demonstrated in Puri District. Use of bio-gas slurry demonstrated. An attempt was made to conceptualise aquaculture extension. Opinion was sought from scientists and other practioners engaged in transfer of aquaculture technologies. A comprehensive definition of aquaculture extension was derived that includes the following key words : behavioural science; educational process; desirable changes in social, economic and behavioural components. Socio-economic study of Secondary data were collected from 5 Fish Seed Development Corporation hatcheries freshwater fish culture in Odisha. Overall survival from spawn to fry was reported between 18-30%. Sale receipts and variable cost in was ` 5.6 and ` million respectively. Thus return to capital investment was ` million. Measure of economic efficiency shows that there exists a great potential of more than 30% to increase the profitability. Major constraints of the hatcheries were lack of water availability round the year; lack of aerators, as well as modern equipments and lack of trained staff. Investigation on the effect of Effectiveness of transfer of technology (TOT) mechanism followed by State Departments was studied. Change agent approach used as a model of TOT. The technologies on enrichment of main features of the model include : professionalism; concentration of work; field fish farmers social, economic and farmer oriented regular and continuous contact and linkage with research. and psychological conditions Rearing of table fish in 30 ha water body in 5 villages was undertaken. Induced breeding of Indian major carps using battery system of bundh breeding demonstrated in Kamakuntia Village of Puri District. Five villages were selected for establishment of Relay Centre for transfer of aquaculture research findings. Evaluation and adoption of Scientific carp culture technology demonstrated in three districts.adopted farmers obtained yield of 8-10 t ha -1 year -1. Developed diesel operated mobile aerator for technologies in north-western large ponds. India for optimising productivity Study of knowledge and Knowledge level of fish farmers was measured with the help of structured schedule. adoption of semi-intensive Farmers of Nadia (West Bengal) were found to possess better knowledge than the carp culture among fish farmers farmers in Puri and Khurda. Extent of adoption of various practices was measured. Constraints that limit adoption were identified. Important constraints being high cost of feed; non-availability of seed; marketing; social problems etc. Agricultural Technology ATIC as a sub-component of the Innovation in Technology Dissemination under Information Centre (ATIC) NATP has been established at the Institute to provide technology products, services and information through single window system to farmers and entrepreneurs. The centre started functioning since 1 April ATIC is visited by about 4000 farmers every year. Helpline service had been initiated where in a group of experts attend to telephonic queries on fixed days of the week. Economic analysis of carp Socioeconomic aspects of carp farmers analysed based on the data from six Indian industry in India states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal. Odisha, Punjab and Uthar Pradesh). (Asian Development Bank) Costs and returns, consumption pattern and technical efficiency estimated for three levels of intensification (low, medium and high). The project resulted in training of researchers in methodologies of data analysis and softwares for socioeconomic analysis. Technological innovations Study on farm size distribution of fish farmers of Kolleru Lake area revealed that in aquaculture and its effect 60.1% of the farmers own farms of more ha 5 ha size. A study on farm size and on sustainability of farming productivity indicated that 28% variation in productivity is explained by farm size systems in Andhra Pradesh alone. Aquaculture development A massive aquaculture development work was taken up in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, in NEH states Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura. Grow-out carp culture, integrated fish farming, ornamental fish breeding and culture was demonstrated. Hatcheries for carps and magur were established. Pilot scale demonstration on cage culture conducted. Study of community based The study was conducted in Puri and Purulia districts. Community members attitude aquaculture management towards aquaculture was found to be favourable. Level of participation in community in India activities was moderate and involvement of women was low. Social, psychological

4 H. K. De et al. 138 and infrastructural factors governing success of community based aquaculture was studied. Constraints perceived by the members were identified. Demonstration and refinement An industrial unit established at Faridkot, Punjab. Average production of of semi-intensive freshwater Macrobrachium rosenbergii was 1075 kg ha -1. Hatching of artemia cyst and rearing prawn and fish culture of M. rosenbergii seed using underground saline water was successful. technologies in north-western India Institutional arrangements Time line was developed to understand the nature and evolution of institutional sand linkage mechanisms innovations for aquaculture development in Odisha. Matrix of various organisations for performing fisheries development activities developed. Impact of FFDA (Fish development in Odisha Farmers Development Agency) in promoting in the state was assessed. In Puri and Khurda districts, area developed under FFDA increased 4 folds and 2 folds respectively. Average yield rose to 1.79 t ha -1 yr -1 from 1.39 t ha -1 yr -1 during About 63% of the respondents obtained yield of over 1.5 t ha -1 yr -1. Level of satisfaction with training was positively correlated with level of yield. Impact assessment of Conducted comprehensive survey of 176 carp and prawn farmers in fisheries research in India Odisha. Socioeconomic variables were measured to assess the impact of aquaculture technologies on farmers. Impact of training programmes The study was conducted by survey among the ex-trainees who attended training on programmes at CIFA during It was observed that 75% of the respondents conducted by CIFA were sponsored by the Departments and only 24% used their own resources for attending training. Trainees expressed very high level of satisfaction with the training provided by CIFA. However, some of them face difficulty in utilising the new skill owing to lack of infrastructure/ administrative support/ motivation/fund. Ninety nine percent of the respondents indicated that they would recommend others to undergo training programmes at CIFA. Aquaculture in changing Primary data (n=300) were collected from various parts of the country. The survey climate a study based on was aimed at eliciting the response and attitude of farmers towards climate change. the perceptions of freshwater It was observed that 52% of the respondents were well aware about climate change aquaculturists. parameters affecting aquaculture. Around 49% of the respondents agreed with phenomenon of changes in seasonality, decrease in spawn survival, early maturity and abnormality in hatching. As many as 59% of the respondents were in agreement with changes in grow-out culture. Early spoilage and reduced quality of fish are also perceived as negative impact of climate change by the farmers. Community based management Eighty one randomly chosen community ponds were surveyed to ascertain the status for sustainable aquaculture in of aquaculture being adopted by the fish farmers. Level of input use was found to be rural areas less than the recommended doses. Average fish yield obtained by the farmers was 1251 kg ha -1 yr -1. With the increase of lease period fish production also increased. Thus lease for 5 years and above is recommended. Two Aquaculture Field Schools were established to promote farmer to farmer extension. Four workshops cum training on community aquaculture were organised in order to share experience with farmers and farmwomen. Development of livelihood Network for sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture for north-east through region launched with the objective of ensuring coordinated development. Training for the tribal people of programmes were organised in Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh north-eastern states for capacity building of farmers and entrepreneurs. Arrangements were made to supply portable FRP carp hatcheries to NE states through KVKs. Transfer of technology of Under the project, 13 ha water body spread over 11 ponds was adopted for composite carp culture through demonstrating composite carp culture technology. Training was imparted on various demonstration among SC/ST aspects of carp culture and critical inputs were also provided. The mean fish yield of women in Boudh and Purulia adopted ponds rose to kg ha -1 in from pre-adoption production level (sponsored by DST) of kg ha -1 in 6-8 months. Average income from the adopted ponds was worked out to be ` per ha. Involvement of SC/ST women in composite carp culture has proven to be socially and economically beneficial.

5 Review of extension research 139 requires to be factored in the extension work. The institute engages considerable amount of resources for dissemination of technologies through demonstration and it has paid rich dividends. This trend should continue however, the approaches followed will have to be revised to make the interventions sustainable. In the coming years, emerging issues like micro-enterprise promotion, institute building, gender issue etc. needs to be studied in depth. More use of information and communication technologies by researchers, extension workers and farmers is recommended for strengthening the extension system. Finally, the motto of FARMER FIRST, where the farmer is placed in the driver s seat, should be implemented in letter and spirit. References Bhaumik, U., Pandit, P. K., Chattaraj, J. G. and Halder, D. D The problems of exotic carps culture and suggested measures - the fish farmer s perception. J. Inland Fish. Soc. India, 20(2): Chakraborty, A Economic analysis of fish production in Burdwan district of West Bengal. M.Sc. Thesis, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttar Pradesh. De, H. K. and Saha, G. S Semi-intensive carp culture - an adoption study. Agri. Ext. Rev., 17(4): Dey, M. M., Paraguas, F. J. and Alam, M. F Cross country synthesis in Production, accessibility, marketing and consumption of products in Asia: a cross-country comparison. FAO Fisheries circular no Rome, FAO. Edwards, P Under what circumstance is aquaculture a poverty reducing technology. AARM Newsletter, 4(2): 3-4. Edwards, P. and Demaine, H Rural aquaculture: overview and framework for country reviews, RAP Publication 1997/ 36 FAO, Bangkok, 54 pp. Ghosh, S., Majumder, S. P. and Haque, A Some perceived problems in the application of fisheries technology and the measures suggested by the fish farmers. Environ. Ecol., 13(1): Katiha, P. K., Dutta, S., Dey, S., Ziauddin, G., Jena, J. K. and De, H. K Carp polyculture for fish production in Kalahandi District of Orissa: economics and constraints. J. Inland Fish. Soc. India, 39(1): Kumar Virendra Economic analysis of fish farming financed by commercial banks in Sultanpur District (U.P.). M. Sc. Thesis, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, UttarPradesh. Majhi, S. K. and De, H. K Constraints limiting job performance of fishery extension officers. Indian J. Ext. Edu., XXXX (3&4): Manwaring, G. and Romano, H Aquaculture marketing - a survey of existing producers. Caribb. Mar. Stud., 1(1): Martinez Espinosa, M Development of type-ii rural aquaculture in Latin America. FAO Aquaculture Newsletter, 11: McNeil, T. S The human side of aquaculture. Proceedingsof the National Aquaculture Conference Strategies for Aquaculture Development in Canada, 75: Mohanty, S. N. and Jena, J. K Women s participation in fish culture in Orissa: A constraint analysis and perspective plan. J. Rural Dev., 15(3): Mukhopadhyay, P. K., Das, D. N. and Roy, B Integrated rice-fish culture increased productivity from deepwater rice lands in West Bengal. NAGA, 12(1): 6-7. Otubasin, S. O Modern aquaculture practices for increased fish production in Nigeria. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of Fisheries Society, Nigeria, 3: Radheyshyam, Saha, G. S., Barik, N. K., Eknath, A. E., De, H. K., Safui, L., Adhikari, S. and Chandra, S Constraints to fish production in community ponds in Orissa, India. Aquacult. Asia, XVI (1): Saha, G. S. and De, H. K Constraints analysis of freshwater fish farmers. J. Ext. Edu., VI (1&2): Saha G. S., De, H. K. and Kumar, K Aquaculture extension in India past, present and future. J. Ext. Edu., VII (1&2): Sulaiman V. Rasheed Innovations in agricultural extension in India, SD Dimensions, FAO, June Date of Receipt : Date of Acceptance :