To create microbial protein from toxic fish waste and other organic matter in the water, Biofloc, or more specifically, cultured microorganisms, are added to the water.
A sizable biofloc fish farm has been established in Hyderabad’s Tando Jam neighbourhood as a first. The biofloc fish farm, which covers 1.5 acres, has 60 tanks with mechanically controlled oxygen levels and temperature that can produce 50 tonnes of fish or prawns annually for both domestic and international markets.
A fish farming system called Biofloc Technology (BT) uses leftover nutrients as fish food. To create microbial protein from toxic fish waste and other organic matter in the water, Biofloc, or more specifically, cultured microorganisms, are added to the water. This saves money while also maintaining water quality.
Earlier, BT was implemented in Sindh as small-scale pilot projects, and eventually, a commercial organisation called “As-Sammak” established it on a large scale. Additionally, As-Sammak is offering consulting and assistance with the development of the BT fish farm.
According to the founder and chairman of As-Sammak Shaukat Hussain, BT fish farming can satisfy both local market demand and export.
Hussain claimed that the investment in a BT fish tank cost Rs. 270,000 and could be repaid in two years, pending sales. He explained that as soon as the initial cost is recovered, the profit margin grows. Fish waste is used as fish feed in BT fish farming, so the cost of commercial feed is not included in operating costs, the expert claimed.
Hussain stated that although they are currently concentrating on fish, they intend to raise prawns and prawns in the future as these are exportable products that can help the nation raise much-needed foreign currency.
He claimed that biofloc farming could aid in eradicating poverty and lowering malnutrition in Sindh. With the help of the Sindh government, the World Bank is interested in these projects to support farmers who are starting biofloc farms, according to Hussain.
He added that a World Bank team visited Karachi in the first week of May to look at biofloc farm projects. The Sindh government and the World Bank are in discussions to support farmers in projects involving biofloc farms, and a feasibility study is being prepared in this regard.