Biofloc fishing technology (BFT) in Maharashtra
Biofloc technology (BFT) is an innovative and sustainable aquaculture method that is gaining popularity in the aquaculture industry. It involves the culture of aquatic organisms, such as fish or shrimp, along with the development of a microbial community called "biofloc." The biofloc consists of heterotrophic bacteria, autotrophic bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms that form a complex ecosystem within the culture system. These microorganisms interact with the waste generated by the cultured organisms to create a nutrient-rich environment that supports their growth and health. Here's an overview of biofloc technology:
How Biofloc Technology Works
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Water Quality Management: In traditional aquaculture systems, large volumes of water are exchanged to maintain water quality and remove waste products. In biofloc technology, the goal is to create a balanced and self-regulating system where the waste produced by the cultured organisms is converted into beneficial microbial biomass. In traditional pond farming, waste is not converted into feed. So ammonia levels may increase in pond and water replacement is necessary in pond.
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Biofloc Formation: A carbon source, such as molasses or other organic matter, is provided to the system. Heterotrophic bacteria consume the carbon source and produce bioflocs, which are clusters of microorganisms bound together by a matrix of exopolymers.
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Nutrient Recycling: The bioflocs act as a sink for nutrients like ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, which are produced as metabolic waste by the cultured organisms. The biofloc community converts ammonia, a toxic compound, into less harmful substances like nitrite and nitrate through nitrification processes.
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Microbial Food Source: The bioflocs serve as a supplemental food source for the cultured organisms, reducing the need for external feed inputs. The microorganisms in the biofloc are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, providing a nutritious diet for the fish or shrimp.
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Water Conservation: One of the significant advantages of biofloc technology is its ability to reduce water exchange rates significantly. The biofloc system relies on minimal water exchange, making it more sustainable and eco-friendly compared to traditional aquaculture systems.
Advantages of Biofloc Technology:**
- Improved water quality management and reduced environmental impact.
- Reduced dependency on external feed, leading to cost savings.
- Higher stocking densities and increased productivity.
- Less reliance on antibiotics and chemicals due to the enhanced microbial activity in the system.
- Water conservation and sustainable aquaculture practices.
key things to keep in mind
- water salinity and pH level are very important for specific fish
- temperature
- Electricity and generator backup is necessary to support aeration system.
- Fish need oxygen
- Fish need food (Commercial Pellets, live frozen feed, earthworms, insects etc
How much you can earn from BFT in Maharashtra
1 tank costs around Rs 50k. Cost for fresh water, feed, electricity is around Rs. 10k. Each tank can have 1000 fish and each fish can grow upto 0.5kg So total yield will be 500kg. So with 1 kg rate of Rs. 100, 1 tank gives revenue of 50k. So in first yield, you may not earn money but in next cycles, you can make good money as tank is already built and ready for use.
Even if you have 10 tanks, you can make revenue of 5 Lakh and considering cost of 1 lakh, you can still make 4 lakh profit per 10 Guntha. So in 1 acre, with 40 tanks, you can easily make revenue of 20 Lakh and by deducting cost of 5 lakhs, you can earn 13 to 15 Lakh net profit.