July 27, 2018
Preserving rainwater to boost pisciculture in drought-prone regions
To boost pisciculture in drought-prone regions of the State, the Bengal Government is taking initiatives in the form of setting up more small dams linked to watersheds. These dams would collect the precious rainwater, often a considerable amount, which is otherwise wasted.
The Fisheries Department has taken up this project, which is being implemented in the districts of Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum, Paschim Medinipur and some other regions.
Rainwater harnessed by check dams can be easily used for pisciculture, as well as cultivation and also domestic purposes, during the lean season. Thus both income and livelihood would be taken care of to an extent, improving the overall socio-economic condition of fishermen in the regions. Watershed development also plays an important role in afforestation, and in water, soil and land management.
The watershed mapping in the districts of Purulia and Bankura has been completed, to suggest suitable sites for check dams for water harvesting. The Fisheries Department had already created a digital map of waterbodies in those regions.
The department has chalked out a detailed plan to make Bengal self-sufficient in fish production and to increase export. Improved pisciculture, as delineated above, will also prove useful for fisherfolk to organise self-help groups and cooperatives to increase their incomes.
Source: Millennium Post
