Ornamental Fish Farming for Self-Sufficiency: A Sustainable Pathway to Economic Independence in North-East India
Amulya Kakati
ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Regional Centre, Guwahati, Assam (781 006), India
Niti Sharma
ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Regional Centre, Guwahati, Assam (781 006), India
Dibakar Gogoi
ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Regional Centre, Guwahati, Assam (781 006), India
Pronob Das*
ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Regional Centre, Guwahati, Assam (781 006), India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54083/BRT/7.5.2025/150-153
Keywords: Aquarium keeping, Northeast India, Ornamental fisheries, Sustainability
Abstract
Northeast region of India has been recognized as one of the hotspots of freshwater fish diversity in the world. There are 422 fish species that have been documented from the region, of which 267 have the potential to be ornamental. Assam has the highest number of ornamental fish with 187 species. Their habitats range from cold to warm water. They have food, recreational and trade values and are thus potential resources for the growth of economy. Ornamental fish production has proven to be viable both financially and economically in the region. Governmental organizations must therefore play a significant part in raising its market share and importance globally. Establishing production facilities in multiple sites throughout the region and encouraging public-private collaborations might be very helpful in promoting the ornamental fisheries sector's vibrancy and profitability. In this situation, the cooperative approach of various stakeholders can be quite important for the expansion of the sector.
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Reference
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