Demonstrating the Effectiveness of Supplementary Feeding in Composite Carp Culture in Warangal District, Telangana, India

Aquaculture serves as a pivotal sector in augmenting rural livelihoods through income generation, employment creation and the enhancement of nutritional security in India. A field-based study was undertaken by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Mamnoor, Warangal to evaluate the efficacy of supplementary feeding regimes in carp culture under a composite fish farming system. The experimental design comprised three treatment groups with three replications each, conducted over an eight months period under on-farm conditions. Parameters assessed included Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Total Fish Production, incidence of disease and economic metrics. Economic analysis involved the computation of gross returns, net returns, and the Benefit-Cost (B:C) ratio. The results demonstrated that consistent application of nutritionally balanced supplementary feed significantly enhanced fish growth performance and overall productivity, contributing to improved economic viability. The study underscores the importance of integrating scientific pond management practices with regular supplementary feeding to promote sustainable aquaculture and maximize profitability among smallholder fish farmers.