Composite fish culture as an alternate livelihood using waterlogged lands of Tungabhadra command area in Karnataka

Waterlogged area is a condition of land where the soil remains saturated with water. These lands are less productive to the anaerobic condition created for the plant roots. The effective utilization of such lands for fish culture yields better result with employment and income generation. The present study was focused on demonstration of composite fish culture ein waterlogged areas of Tungabhadra command area of Karnataka. Indian major carps and exotic carps were used for the demonstration at 5 different locations under the command area. Exotic carps namely Grass carp, Silver carp, Amur carp and common carp exemplary growth and proved its suitability for composite fish culture with 1.54±0.20, 1.41±0.25, 1.40±0.36 and 1.01±0.05 kgs respectively. While the growth of Indian major carps namely Catla, Rohu and Mrigal was less than 1 Kg at the time of harvest. The total mean production of the demonstration was below par the standard fish production with 3.46 ton/acre with gross revenue of Rs. 3.81 lakhs. The present demonstration is evident on utilization of waterlogged areas for composite fish culture leading to generation of employment and income to the farming community.