The Fish form Unit was setup in the year 1959 in an area of 8.10 ha (20.25 acres). This farm is having earthn ponds of different size ranging from 17m x16m to 94m x 38m and 125 cement ponds of size ranging from 3 x 2 m to 24 x 12 m (10.0 x 6.6 ft to 80.0 x 40.0 ft). A glass jar hatchery unit with a capacity of hatching 50,00,000 eggs per day was commissioned in 1982.
The salient features of Fish Farm Unit are detailed below:
| 1 | Total water spread area of Fish Farm | 4.70 ha (11.75 acres) area of Fish Farm |
| 2 | Stock ponds area | 2.29 ha ( 5.73 acres) |
| 3 | Rearing ponds | 2.15 ha ( 5.44 acres) |
| 4 | Nursery ponds | 1.00 ha ( 2.50 acres) |
| 5 | Water supply ponds | 0.13 ha ( 0.33 acres) |
| 6 | Breeding and hatching ponds | 0.13 ha ( 0.33 acres) |
Every year Fish Form Unit is producing spawn of major carp, common carp and Chinese carp, utilising the parent stock (brood stock) raised in fish farm by hypophysation technique. This method induces the fish to release eggs in stagnant water by injecting pituitary hormone which was first introduced in the unit during 1962-63. The spawn so produced, apart from rearing further to fry stage and then to fingerling tage for supply, are disposed off at spawn stage also. The FFU is a leading producer of catla fish seed which is in great demand in the region. It is ideal in respect of its location, design, maintenance of breeders, hatching facilities etc. The fisherman of the area have great faith in the quality of seeds provided by the FFU. Many undergraduate and postgraduate Students of Zoology from various colleges of the State Karnataka and neighboring State of Goa pay visit to the FFU every year as part of their practical training in fish culture and breeding aspects. The unit provides good quality of seeds to the farmers in the area who decide to take up fish rearing for additional income at very competitive prices.
Table of fish seed prices.
Fisheries Development Officer of the Board can be contacted for further information and advise.
