Fisheries Directorate expands Macrobrachium Rosenbergii farming to boost tribal livelihood

Ranchi: Under the guidance of  Agriculture, Animal Husbandry (Fisheries), and Cooperative Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey, the Fisheries Directorate has initiated programmes to promote the farming of Macrobrachium rosenbergii, locally known as mahazhinga, in the state’s reservoirs to improve tribal livelihoods. The initiative is being implemented with technical support from Dr. Archan Kanti Das, Chief Scientist at ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, Kolkata.

Amrendra Kumar, Director of the Fisheries Directorate, said that introducing mahazhinga farming alongside traditional fish cultivation in small reservoirs will enhance the income and living standards of local fisherfolk. Earlier, mahazhinga farming was limited to three reservoirs in Jharkhand—Ghaghra in Hazaribagh, Kelaghagh in Simdega, and Masariya in Gumla—with encouraging results. Based on these successes, district-level officials have shown interest in expanding mahazhinga cultivation to smaller reservoirs.

Recently, farming was extended to six additional reservoirs, including Bachra (Latehar), Karanji and Nouranga (Ranchi), Nandni (Lohardaga), Dhansingh (Gumla), and Bankibera (Dumka). On March 30, 2,34,000 mahazhinga seeds were stocked in Bankibera Reservoir, Dumka. The department also supplied feed, mineral mix, and zeolite to support farmers in their cultivation efforts. Dr. Das emphasized that mahazhinga farming offers an opportunity for self-employment and higher income, as demand for the species is increasing and market prices are favorable.

The initiative was also supported by district fisheries officers, extension officials, and local reservoir committees, with the information provided by Prashant Kumar Deepak, Chief Director of the Fisheries Directorate.