Sustainability of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Sauvage, 1878) culture in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

In spite of vast diverse fish genetic resource of India, several exotic species have been introduced into India. Chinese carps which were introduced in India with an objective of increasing the yields in aquaculture has paved way for composite fish culture in India. Introduction of exotic species for fisheries and aquaculture was successful in some instances while in few situations, it failed leading to controversy over protection of native biodiversity. Pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) an exotic species has been introduced into India and is not only adopted for culture in states like West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh but also established as an alternative candidate species in freshwater aquaculture. Fish seed production segment in West Bengal played a pivotal role in the expansion of Pangasius farming in Andhra Pradesh. Pangasius monoculture was found to be profitable in comparison to polyculture with carps and other fishes. Use of formulated feeds is the major choice of Pangasius farmers. Pangasius catfish is less prone to diseases when compared to carps and is sensitive to abiotic stress. Comparatively, low market value of Pangasius than carps has increased avenues of fish consumption by low income consumers. Very fast development in culture of Pangasius has created many challenges such as dearth of quality seed, inconsistent management practices, prevalence of stress induced diseases, glut in the market and acute decline in the farm gate price leading to stabilization of farming area in Andhra Pradesh. Pangasius farming in Andhra Pradesh is sustaining due to strategic stocking and harvesting pattern adopted by the farmers conforming to market trend. Inappropriate practices in order to achieve higher yields and input-specific technical inefficiency are associated with the economic losses while minimizing the use of inputs can reduce risk factors in Pangasius farming. It is important to record that demand for carp culture in Andhra Pradesh is still greater in spite of less complications underlying in Pangasius farming and management.

Production and Culture Scenario of Striped Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Sauvage, 1878) in India

“…Less intermuscular bones in the meat of Pangasius (P. hypopthalmus) were thought to be a factor in consumer choice. The Indian government created criteria in 2009 to formally admit the pangasius culture to Indian waters (Seshagiri et al, 2021).…”

A review and further analysis on seafood processing and the development of the fish Pangasius from the food industry perspective

“…Besides, failures to some extent during transportation and/or storage were found as MDA values (1.21-7.88 mg kg−1), so they stated that quality control measures must be conducted on the Pangasius producing process. Seshagiri et al (2013) stated that, in Vietnam agriculture, in terms of processing, in the past, pangasius was exported mainly in the form of frozen fillets, but up to now, most businesses have invested in processing technology lines with diverse products, in addition to other types of products. Fillet also has products such as fish cakes, breaded, pangasius cut with lemongrass salt, cut into pieces, sandwiches, sesame cakes, baby corn bags, tomatoes stuffed with pangasius, squash stuffed with pangasius, stomach stuffed with rolls seafood, sausages, fillet rolls stuffed with shrimp, pangasius stuffed with salmon.…”

“…Pangasius in the Mekong Delta has been exported to 133 countries and territories, such as China, the US, the EU, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Japan, Canada, etc. Seshagiri et al (2013) said linking along the pangasius value chain between pangasius enterprises, cooperatives, households, and pangasius processing, consumption, and export enterprises. The linkage of production stages, from pangasius farming, collection to processing and consumption and export of pangasius products, was previously usually undertaken by different entities, such as pangasius farming is mainly households and some cooperatives/enterprises; collectors are usually traders and some enterprises that process and consume, and processing is undertaken by enterprises investing in processing technology.…”

“…Regarding development policies, Seshagiri et al (2013) mentioned the linkage between enterprises and other related organizations: Pangasius enterprises and related organizations have links and support each other according to the following links (see Figure 4: Linking by value chain).…”