World Bank Team in Jharkhand to promote Organic Fishing under Blue Revolution initiative

Mail News Service

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Ranchi, June 1: A team from the World Bank, led by Jullian Mulan from Washington D.C., visited the Fisheries Department of Jharkhand to assess and support the promotion of Organic Fishing as part of the Blue Revolution, an initiative jointly developed by the Central and State Governments.

The inspection coincided with the breeding season for fish, which aligned with the monsoon period from June 15 to September 15. Organic fishing practices included preparing ponds with cow dung, limestone, and vermi-compost, while strictly prohibiting the use of harmful chemicals and fertilizers to ensure a natural and eco-friendly aquaculture environment.

Highlighting the significance of sustainable fishing, District Forest Officer (DFO) Prashant Kumar Deepak noted that the theme of this year’s World Environment Day, observed on June 5, is “Ending Plastic Pollution.” He further emphasized the role of fisheries in the cultural and culinary traditions of Jharkhand.

DFO Deepak identified ‘Magur’ as the State Fish of Jharkhand, much like how ‘Dolphin’ is the State Fish of Bihar. Gumla district has emerged as a leading producer of ‘Magur’ fish in the state. The fisheries department has set a target of 4 lakh metric tonnes of fish production this year, up from 3.5 lakh metric tonnes achieved last year.

With 80–85% of Jharkhand’s population consuming fish, crab, and other aquatic food, fish held cultural importance in events such as weddings, upanayana ceremonies, and local festivals like Sarhul and Karma. In fact, the DFO referenced a recent news story where a wedding in Ramgarh was disrupted due to the unavailability of fish at the reception, underlining its essential role in regional customs.

He also discussed the development of seed and cage culture, identifying Bankura in West Bengal as a national hub for fish breeding. Jharkhand’s Fisheries Department has initiated cluster approaches and created policies to support migrant laborers, farmers, and fishermen, particularly those working in regions like Darjeeling, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Guwahati, and Assam.

Explaining technical aspects, DFO Deepak noted that each kilogram of fish could yield up to 3 lakh eggs during the breeding season. While seafood required saline water, domestic fish farming typically occurred in rivers and ponds. He also highlighted that warm temperatures were crucial for high fish productivity, which is why fish farming was limited in cold Himalayan regions.

For natural fish breeding, he said, conditions such as thunderstorms, rainfall, mud, and water movement (travity) were essential. The state aimed to continue expanding sustainable fishing practices while contributing to food security, employment, and environmental conservation. (w/gsd)

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