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Ornamental fish keeping and breeding is fast gaining popularity in southern India. At the third All India Aquarium Show 2002, which concluded in Ernakulam in Kerala recently, hundreds of marine and fresh water fish were exhibited.
Ornamental fish keeping and breeding is fast gaining popularity in southern India. At the third All India Aquarium Show 2002, which concluded in Ernakulam in Kerala recently, hundreds of marine and fresh water fish were exhibited.
The show was organised by the state fisheries department. Visitors to the show were mesmerised by the Goldfish, Angel fish, Gouramines, Loaches, Sword tails and Guppies on view.
"This is now fast gaining popularity. Ornamental fish can be found in most houses nowadays. What makes them popular is the fact that they are easily obtained and are an hobby which appeals to young and old alike," said Sudarshan, one of the visitors. The six-day show provided a platform for aquarium fish breeders, small scale entrepreneurs and researchers to interact and exchange valuable information. Indira Rajesh, an entrepreneur, lamented inadequate marketing initiatives. "This is a very convenient means of self-employment for women. But the lack of proper marketing facilities makes it difficult for us. If this can be rectified, then we can definitely make it a profitable venture."
Workshops on prospects of ornamental fishery in the state were held wherein leading national scientists and researchers presented papers.
K.P.Pillai, one of the organiser, said the prime aim was to generate public awareness about the employment potentials of ornamental fish breeding. "Now many self-help groups of women from the poorer sections of our society are coming forward to take up ornamental fish breeding as a remunerative vocation. We are training them in fish breeding and marketing," said Pillai.
Indian waters are considered the goldmine of ornamental fish resources with more than 200 indigenous species and an equal number of exotic varieties available in plenty.
At $4.79 million, India`s share in 650 billion dollar world ornamental fish trade is very marginal. India faces stiff competition from countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia.
At present, about 85 percent of the fresh water ornamental fish exported from India are the wild varieties collected from the northeastern parts of the country.
Bureau Report
"This is now fast gaining popularity. Ornamental fish can be found in most houses nowadays. What makes them popular is the fact that they are easily obtained and are an hobby which appeals to young and old alike," said Sudarshan, one of the visitors. The six-day show provided a platform for aquarium fish breeders, small scale entrepreneurs and researchers to interact and exchange valuable information. Indira Rajesh, an entrepreneur, lamented inadequate marketing initiatives. "This is a very convenient means of self-employment for women. But the lack of proper marketing facilities makes it difficult for us. If this can be rectified, then we can definitely make it a profitable venture."
Workshops on prospects of ornamental fishery in the state were held wherein leading national scientists and researchers presented papers.
K.P.Pillai, one of the organiser, said the prime aim was to generate public awareness about the employment potentials of ornamental fish breeding. "Now many self-help groups of women from the poorer sections of our society are coming forward to take up ornamental fish breeding as a remunerative vocation. We are training them in fish breeding and marketing," said Pillai.
Indian waters are considered the goldmine of ornamental fish resources with more than 200 indigenous species and an equal number of exotic varieties available in plenty.
At $4.79 million, India`s share in 650 billion dollar world ornamental fish trade is very marginal. India faces stiff competition from countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia.
At present, about 85 percent of the fresh water ornamental fish exported from India are the wild varieties collected from the northeastern parts of the country.
Bureau Report