BOGURA, Jan 22: With the initiative of a fisheries research institute, indigenous Bheda species fish cultivation is getting popular across Bogura district.
Shantaher Fisheries Research Institute has artificially reproduced Bheda fish at Adamdighi upazila of Bogura district after spending much effort.
After three years of research, the authority concerned of the research institute has become successful in presenting the tasty variety of fish to the consumers, said scientific officer Devit Rentu Das. Now, the fish is being cultivated in large scale in the flood land across the region, he added.
The farmers have been provided logistic support. They are also showing interest to grow the fish as they can make good profit with small amount of capital and labour.
The fish variety is fatless and tasteful to eat, said farmer Akmar Hossain, 45, at Jinoir village under the upazila.
Some three decades earlier, the fish was cultivated in the region abundantly but dumping of pesticides led to the extinction of this fish species from the area.
The people of the region demanded of the authority concerned to reproduce the fish.
It grow 300 to 400 gram after six month of its rearing in the flood land. Per kg of fish is being sold at Tk 500 to 550 in the retail market while Tk 450 to 500 in the wholesale markets.
The fish species may again quickly become popular across the area if the farmers are provided necessary incentives.
"I have cultivated over 0.2 million bheda fish in my flood land this season aiming to become financially self-reliant," said farmer Akbor Hossain, 33, under Adamdighi upazila. "I am expecting to make over Tk 0.4 million if the price remain satisfactory." he added.
District fisheries officer Rawson Ara said, we are encouraging the grassroots level farmers to grow different varieties of fish both in pond and free water bodies applying modern technology. The farmers of the region are being self-reliant growing fish, she added.
