GENETIC UPGRADATION OF ROHU

The strategy adopted to isolate high yielding specimens of ROHU through selection out of those collected from various rivers. This was found to be the only feasible method in the present conditions. It was expected to isolate fast growing ones out of these from the crop now under culture as part of the 3rd generation work. The sterile fishes grew faster as their somatic growth got enhanced and the technology of gene transfer had a promising future and this was another alternative field for obtaining high yielding specimens.

The purpose of genetic work was to evolve superior strains. The evaluation of superior strains would bring down the cost of inputs. According to this method the 3rd generation ROHU specimens would have been showing superior growth.

STERILE TILAPIA

It should be possible to introduce sterile TILAPIA for culture, as was being done in Taiwan, Malaysia, China and in other countries electric lights were placed under water for attracting insects to serve as feed for the fish. Dropping of silk worms could be used for fertilising the ponds. There was tremendous scope for securing sizeable returns by undertaking composite culture.

There was weakness in the transfer of technology alias TOT and that was an urgent need to train the farmers who form the main link in the culture activity