Pisciculture is scientific cultivation of fish, molluses and other aquatic animals in ponds, tanks etc. and to propagate them. Since, in pisciculture, many aquatic animals are cultured together, it is also known as aquaculture. Other aquatic animals e.g., Prawns, crabs, lobsters, edible oysters are also cultured in aquaculture.
Scope of Pisciculture in India : Fish meat is a food supplement. Presently, demand of fish food in India is 8500 metric tonnes but its annual production is only 1700 metric tonnes per year. India ranks 7th position in fish production in the world. India is 2nd aquaculture country after China in South - East Asia. Following are possibilities of India in fish culture:
(i) Increasing demand of fish production in India.
(ii) Good production of Indian fish breeds.
iii) Availability of suitable water for fish cultivation.
A Blue - Revolution campaign is run by Central Institute of fresh water aquaculture, Bhubaneshwar. Due to efforts of this campaign India has grown 85000 kg/hectare fish per year.
Economic Improtance :
(a) Fish as Food : Fish is the best and cheapest source of animal protein. Fish meat is comparatively more beneficial than other meat because it contains more protein (13 - 20%) and less fat. Vitamin A, D and Iodine are present in Fish meat in rich quantity. These compounds are required for mental, physical and reproductive growth of human. Besides, it is easily digestible.
(b) Besides food, Fish culture provides many other types of products. e.g., Vitamin A is rich cod liver oil, Halibut etc.), Fish food (Salmon fish contains 55 - 70% protein), Fish protein concentrates (80 - 90% proteins). Guana fish is used as manure.