Prof wins Rs3.9 million grant to breed catfish

Introduction of Pangasius pangasius could be successful and profitable in Pakistan due to its fast growth, says Khan.

LAHORE:

Assistant Professor Dr Noor Khan of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has won a Rs3.954 million research grant from the Higher Education Commission for culturing and breeding catfish at the Ravi Campus, Pattoki.

The three-year project, ‘Prospects of culturing and breeding of Catfish (Pangasius pangasius) in Pakistan,’ focuses on the introduction of a new species of catfish, Pangasius pangasius, to our present aquaculture system and its breeding in captivity. Under the project, an artificial feed will be formulated and prepared for various age groups and evaluated for its effect on the growth, nutrient profile and breeding potential of this fish.

The main objective of the project is to introduce catfish in Pakistan under intensive and semi-intensive culture systems with appropriate levels of protein concentration to increase the production per unit area and maximise the profits of farmers. The project will also strengthen research activities in the department and play an important role in strengthening links with the industry and fish farmers.

Dr Noor Khan said that the introduction of Pangasius pangasius could be successful and profitable in Pakistan due to its fast growth, tolerance to changes in water quality, resistance to disease and comparatively high market price. Another important fact is that this fish can easily be acclimatised to artificial feed due to its omnivorous nature, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2012.