We Bengalis are known for our fish and rice, and fish farming is a profitable occupation in our country. The rainy season is a good time for it, and fish farmers need to know which steps to take now. Here are the steps to take in fish farming during the rains.

• Pond banks must be kept well raised for fish farming in the rainy season, built so that floodwater cannot get in at all. If needed, fence the pond with a net so that the fish cannot get out.
• A pond can fill up with rainwater during the rains, so arrange drainage from the pond. This keeps the fish in the pond and stops them escaping.
• Plant grass or small trees on the pond banks to prevent erosion, so that the banks do not collapse under the force of water or heavy rain in the monsoon.
• The colour of the pond water can change in the rainy season, and the water often becomes dirty. Check the water at this time and take whatever action is needed.
• It is not possible to give more feed than needed when farming fish in the rainy season. When the sky is cloudy or rain is likely, stop feeding the fish.
• Various serious fish diseases can appear in the rainy season. So every few days, net some fish from the pond and check them carefully for disease. If any fish is infected, act quickly.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.