Guwahati: The Jungal Balahu Garh Fish Seed Farm has emerged as a key asset in the fisheries sector, with its legacy built on Assam's rich aquaculture history. Established to cater to the growing demand for quality fish seed production in Assam, the sprawling 43.63-hectare area of the fish farm is a testament to the state's commitment to developing sustainable aquaculture practices.
Jungal Balahu Garh Fish Seed Farm is one of the largest state-owned fish seed production units equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure in Northeast India. The farm incorporates a water area of 17 hectares, three eco-hatcheries - one exclusively dedicated to Chital fish breeding, and 31 operational ponds. Beyond its production capacity, it significantly contributes to the socio-economic development of the Northeast by generating employment and serving as a knowledge hub for farmers and students.
“The farm also provides hands-on demonstrations for farmers, trainees, and students from Northeast India, thereby contributing to the knowledge-sharing process in the local fisheries community,” Raha District Fisheries Development Officer (DFDO) Himangshu Talukdar told Business North East (BNE) during an interview.
Between FY 2023-24 and 2024-25, the Jungal Balahu Garh Fish Farm recorded strong growth in production and sales. In FY 23-24, the farm produced and sold 1,356.85 kg of fish, generating approx Rs 4.25 lakh in revenue. A major contributor to the farm's revenue is - spawn, with 69 lakh units produced and sold for Rs. 517.5 lakh, pushing the total revenue to Rs. 586.5 lakh. Fry and fingerling production followed suit, with 1.89 lakh fry sold for Rs. 47,250 and 1,262 fingerlings producing Rs. 25,240 in sales. Additionally, the farm generated income from chital fingerlings, amounting to Rs. 28,650, and miscellaneous products, totalling approx Rs. 1.08 lakh.
The farm has projected a positive outlook for FY 2024-25 with a significant increase in production. While the stock is expected to grow with an impressive 6.38 lakh fingerlings and 2,000 yearlings produced, projected to generate Rs. 10.87 lakh in sales, spawn production will likely reach 55 lakh units, gaining Rs 560.50 lakh, an 8.3% increase in revenue compared to the previous year. However, the production and sale of Chital fingerlings will likely decrease to 310 units, yielding Rs 6,200, a 78.4% reduction in this category. The total revenue from all items, including miscellaneous products, is expected to rise to approx Rs. 26.26 lakh by the end of the fiscal year.
Despite these variances, the farm may record a total revenue of Rs. 2.62 crore in the current fiscal from Rs. 586.5 lakh in 2023-24, indicating continued growth in its core operations and scope for value-added offerings.
Production and sales in the fiscal have grown remarkably year after year. Fingerlings production rose from 1,262 units in 2023-24 to 6.38 lakh units in 2024-25, a sharp growth in volume.
“The Jungal Balahu Garh Fish Seed Farm is setting an exemplary model for the region. Its consistent growth in production and sales is not only benefitting the local farmers and entrepreneurs but also providing a sustainable approach to aquaculture development in the state. We expect this trend to continue as the farm embraces advanced technologies and implements more robust training programs for the youth,” the DFDO stated while commenting on the farm’s progress.
Himangshu Talukdar further revealed that the farm’s impact extends beyond production and sales. It serves as a regional hub for skill development and knowledge dissemination. Farmers and students from across the Northeastern region participate in training programs and demonstrations to promote sustainable aquaculture practices.
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“Jungal Balahu Garh Fish Seed Farm is not just a production facility. It is a center of excellence for knowledge dissemination. We are committed to empowering farmers and ensuring they adopt modern, sustainable practices that enhance productivity and profitability,” the DFDO said.
The farm’s integration of horticulture alongside fisheries demonstrates its innovative approach to resource utilization. The facility generates additional income streams while contributing to the state’s agricultural landscape through diverse activities.
The expansion of Jungal Balahu Garh Fish Seed Farm and its focus on producing high-quality fish seeds, scaling up fish seed production with advanced breeding technologies, enhancing the farm’s infrastructure to meet growing demand, and collaborating with private sector players to explore value-added products and exports are expected to boost local aquaculture businesses, particularly in Assam and surrounding states. With infrastructure improvements, including the continued operation of Eco-Hatcheries and Chital Hatchery, the farm is poised for further growth, contributing significantly to the state's economic development in the aquaculture sector.
“Our vision is to position the farm as a leader in fish seed production not only in Assam but across India. We aim to make this farm a beacon of progress for the aquaculture industry,” DFDO Himangshu Talukdar added during the interview.
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