A department dedicated to recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) is being developed by Tamil Nadu Dr J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU) in India, with the help of a INR 3.5 million (USD 50,758, EUR 45,541) investment.
A unit is being developed by the university at its Madhavaram campus in an effort to help train fish farmers on the RAS method. It will consist of two 50-metric-ton capacity rectangular tanks and two 30 ton-capacity circular tanks, according to a report from the New Indian Express. Different filters – including UV, cartridge, and biological – have been applied to each of the tanks for maintaining water quality and ensuring proper aeration.
TNJFU officials have observed the adoption of RAS technologies by different Indian states, such as Kerala, however, popularity for the method remains minimal in the university’s base of Tamil Nadu, the newspaper noted. The state, which faces acute shortage of water in the summer, is an ideal location for RAS operations, TNJFU said.
“Under the RAS method, with use of limited quantity of water in a small area, the fish farmers can grow different species of fish. The process also ensures good yield,” TNJFU vice-chancellor S Felix told the New Indian Express.
TNJFU’s RAS unit will be funded by India's National Agriculture Development Program, Felix added.
Image courtesy of Tamil Nadu Dr J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University
