Study of the growth potential and economic viability of Pangasius pangasius farming in Uttarakhand using recirculatory aquaculture system
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64171/JAES.6.3.138-141Keywords:
Pangasius pangasius, Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS), Economic viability, Uttarakhand aquaculture, Growth performance, Sustainable intensificationAbstract
This research study provides a comprehensive analysis of the technical and economic feasibility of deploying Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) for the intensive cultivation of the striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) within the diverse agro-climatic landscape of Uttarakhand, India. Traditional aquaculture in the Himalayan region has historically been constrained by limited land availability, cold-water temperature fluctuations, and reliance on extensive open-pond practices. This paper evaluates the potential of RAS to mitigate these challenges through high-density production, water recycling, and precise environmental control. Based on simulated growth performance indices and comprehensive economic modeling, the study determines that RAS technology facilitates year-round production of Pangasius pangasius, achieving significantly higher survival rates and biomass density compared to conventional systems. Despite the substantial initial capital expenditure required for high-tech infrastructure, the return on investment remains favorable due to market demand, intensive throughput, and optimized resource efficiency. The study concludes that with targeted energy management such as the integration of renewable energy and policy support, RAS-based Pangasius pangasius farming offers a highly viable solution for sustainable aquaculture development in Uttarakhand.
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