Open Day at Chaudhary Fish Farm, Lahore

A team comprising of Mr. Faisal Iftikhar, CEO, Fisheries Development Board and Mr. Muhammad Junaid Wattoo Company Secretary, Fisheries Development Board visited Chaudhary Nabeel Fish Farm in Jajja Kalan near Saraay Mughal, Baloki, Lahore on Sunday, 25th December, 2011. An open day was organized by Fisheries Development Board in association with Ch Nabeel Akhtar, the owner of the Farm along with Punjab Fisheries Department and other stakeholders. A large number of fish farmers across the Punjab province, including from District Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Muzafargarh, Bahawalnagar, Lahore and Kasour participated in the event and witnessed the fish harvesting at the occasion. Every farmer was astonished to see the bumper production of 3.5 ton of fish from unit area of one acre. Fisheries Development Board is promoting the culture of high value fish species in farming system of Pakistan. FDB imported fish seed of Tilapia nolitica and Pangasius fish species during the year 2009 and 2010 and distributed at various farms in public and private sector in Punjab province of Pakistan. On harvesting of the fish from selected ponds, promising results were obtained at private fish farms. The same fish species was imported and introduced at the Ch. Nabeel Akhtar, a progressive fish and poultry farmer. The farmer has its own feed producing facility for the poultry and he formulated pelleted fish feed from the same facility under supervision of Dr. Zulfaqar Ali and Dr. Talat Pasha of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. The detail of trial during last year in one acre pond is given below: “About 6300 Tilapia spp. seed (Hybrid monosex Tilapia) and around 2000 Pangasius spp. (Pangasius hypophthalmus) seed were stocked on 15 June and 25 July respectively in one acre fish pond. The fish were fed by farmer’s own factory prepared feed at the rate of 10% body weight in the beginning and at 2% body weight at the end. After harvesting the final weight and rate of the fish were “Tilapia spp. average weight 600 gm (rage from 450 to 800 gm) sold at rate of Rs. 150-200 per kg and Pangasius spp. average weight 400 gm (range from 200 to 700 gm) sold at the rate of Rs. 180-200 per kg. The trial showed good results and about 3.5 to 4 ton fish production was achieved from one acre pond. The growth of Tilapia was better than the Pangasius species due to difference in weather preference and growth period of both species. /br

Keeping in view the good experience and promising results of the previous year, the farmers imported about 100,000 fish seed of mono sex tilapia during the month of May this year and stocked in nursery ponds. During the July, he stocked the fish (of size about 30 grams) in 10 rearing ponds at the rate of 7000 per acre and fed the fish with feed produced at his own feed production facility. On the test harvest during December, the fish size is ranging from 450 gram to 650 gram and about 3.5 ton per acre fish harvest is expected from the all fish ponds. The final results will be compiled on complete harvest of all ponds. The farmer told that the fish behavior during the growth trial was very good and there was no need of oxygenation or water replenishment for water quality. The fish is much adoptive to the local weather conditions. The only concern was the non availability of fish seed in local market and the same is being imported from Thailand which delays the growth trails and hence low weight gain at the end of trial. The experience of Ch. Nabeel Akhtar for Tilapia production is unique in the history of Pakistan where mostly Carp species including Rohu, Mori, Thaila, Silver and Grass carps are being cultured in fish farms with an average production of one ton per acre. The production of 3.5 to 4 ton Tilapia per acre is much higher than the average fish production of Pakistan and can bring a sudden revolution in fish farming industry of Pakistan. The participant farmers across the Punjab province witnessed the fish harvest at chaudhary fish farm and listen the success story by Ch. Nabeel Akhatr. They were surprised to see such a good harvest and everyone was interested in such farming practices. The farmers were eager to know the minor detail of this trial, and asked various questions as the source and price of fish seed, fish feed and marketing channels for the disbursement of tilapia.

Mr. Faisal Iftikhar and Mr. Junaid Wattoo briefed the participants regarding ongoing activities and future plans of Fisheries Development Board and told that Fisheries Development Board is vigorously perusing the introduction of high value fish species in Aquaculture system of Pakistan for which a plan is underway to import 500,000 Tilapia and Pangasius fish species in Pakistan for the next fish growth season and the same will be provided to interested fish farmer on no profit basis. Further, Fisheries Development Board is planning to establish some Tilapia fish hatcheries in partnership with private fish farmers in Sindh and Punjab for easy availability of tilapia seed in Pakistan. Fisheries Development Board is also planning to established a fish feed plant in the country for which funding is being sourced at various levels. CEO, Fisheries Development Board promised the fish farmers for provision of subsidized fish feed for promotion of tilapia culture in Pakistan. The participants returned to their homes with high hopes for brighter future of fish farming industry of Pakistan and they were wishing that efforts of Fisheries Development Board should have been successful for promotion of fisheries and aquaculture sector in Pakistan.

Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT)

An overview of GIFT by Mr. Mathias Halwart, Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, FAO, Rome. Please follow this link: Presentation

13th BoD and 4th AGM of Fisheries Development Board

13th meeting of Board of Directors of Fisheries Development Board (FDB) followed by 4th Annual General Meeting was held on 30th November 2011 in the Commmittee Room of FDB, Islamabad. Several agenda items were discussed in the Board meeting including approval of establishement of Cluster Cage Farm at Domeli Dam and Cluster Shrimp Farming at Sindh Coast. The General Body of FDB approved the accounts of the company pertaining to the F.Y 2010-11. Mr. Javaid Ayub, Director Wildlife and Fisheries Department on behalf of the Govt of AJK appreciated and thanked the cooperation and support of the Board for Revitalization of Mirpur Fish Hatchery and Declaration of Mahseer National Park at Poonch River for conservation of Mahseer Fish in collaboration with Pak Wetlands and WWF. The representatives from the all provinces highly appreciated the efforts of the Board for introduction of high value fish species (Pangasius and Tilapia) in Pakinstan and were pleased on exponential growth of this fish during the briefing.

Audit Committee Meeting

3rd meeting of Auditing Committee of Fisheries Development Board is scheduled to be held on 29th November 2011 at 1400 hours in committee room of FDB, H.No.9, St.4, Gulshan-e-Alhuda, Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad under the chairmanship of Mr. Rohail Baloch, Secretary, Coastal Development and Fisheries Department. The Committee will review the accounts of company from May, 2011 to Date and also the audit report for the financial year 2010-11.

MoU Signing Ceremony with ASA

Islamabad, the 18th November 2011 at FDB Head Office. Fisheries Development Board and American Soybean Association (ASA) signed an MoU to implement a USDA funded project for promotion of use of fish feed in Aquaculture System of Pakistan. Mr. R.T Drennan, Agriculture Counsellor, USDA, US Embassy, Islamabad, Mr. R.S.N Janjua, Country Representative of ASA, Mr.Faisal Iftikhar, Chief Executive Officer, Fisheries Development Board, DG Punjab Fisheries Department and AJK Fisheries Department and other distinguished guests attended the signing ceremony.
Under the MoU feeding trials will be conducted on selected fish farms in Sindh and Punjab. The study will prove the efficacy of fish feed in fish growth and productivity. it is estimated that 4-5 time production of fish would be increased while using fish feed in the ponds and floating cages.

Pangasius Growth in Balochistan

Growth of pangasius stocked at Mr. Tariq Mir's Farm at Winder Balochistan.

Annual General Meeting of FDB

The 4th Annual General Meeting of Fisheries Development Board is scheduled to be held on 30th November 2011 at FDB Head Office, H.No.9, St.4, Gulshan-e-Alhuda, Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad. Before the AGM the 13th meeting of Board of Directors of FDB will be held to review the accounts of the Board and recommendation for further approval of AGM.

Visit to Fish Farms in Punjab

A team comprising of Mr. Muhammad Junaid Wattoo, Company Secretary, Fisheries Development Board and Mr. Tauqeer Milk, Manager, Fisheries Development Board visited Khanawal, Multan and Muzzafargarh area to monitoring fish growth under the project ‘promotion of high value fish species’ from 26 to 28th October, 2011. The finding of the visit is given as under:

Visit to Ch. Tahir Fish Farm
This fish farm is situated at NIKASO Area in District Khanawal. The fish farm comprises of about 500 acres of land and being used to raise carp fish species. The fish farmer is very much progressive and produce his own brand of fish feed at farm. About 4500 fish specimen of Gift Tilapia was stocked in a fish pond of about two acres of land. The fish was stocked on 19th August, 2011 of the size of about ½ to ¾ inch size. A test netting of the fish was made on the visit of the team and the present status of the stock is as under: Average length: 7 inch Average weight: 132 gram The water quality of the pond was good, turbid to green water was observed with average depth of 4.5 feet. About 54 kg farm made feed is being utilized daily in two rations.
Remarks:
Good growth is observed, mainly due to excessive feeding. It was observed that fish was trained to feeding.

Visit to Mr. Shahyar Tareen Fish Farm
This fish farm is again situated at NIKASO Area in District Khanawal. The fish farm comprises of about 50 acres of land area. Carps are being raised in the farm. The fish farmer is progressive and ready to invest for good production of fish per acre. About 4500 fish specimen of Gift Tilapia was stocked in a fish pond of about two and half acres of land. The fish was stocked on 19th August, 2011 of the size of about ½ to ¾ inch size. A test netting of the fish was made on the visit of the team and the present status of the stock is as under: Average length: 8 inch Average weight: 150 gram The water quality of the pond was good, green water was observed with average depth of 5 feet. About 40 kg farm made feed is being utilized daily in two rations.
Remarks:
Good growth is observed, mainly due to good feeding regime. It was observed that fish was trained on feeding. The farmer lacks the basic water quality observing instruments.

Visit to Mr. Javaid Sindh Fish Farm
This fish farm is situated near Muzafargarh city. The fish farm basically a fish hatchery being used for breeding of carp fish. The fish farmer is educated and have trained staff for operation of fish hatchery. About 4500 fish specimen of Gift Tilapia was stocked in two fish pond of about half acre each. The fish was stocked on 19th August, 2011 of the size of about ½ to ¾ inch size. A test netting of the fish was made on the visit of the team and the present status of the stock is as under: Average length: 4.9 inch Average weight: 27 gram The water quality of the pond was good, green water was observed with average depth of 4 feet. About 5 kg farm made feed is being utilized daily in two rations.
Remarks:
Poor growth is observed, mainly due to low feeding regime. The farmer lacks the basic water quality observing instruments.

Visit to Mian Fish Farm
This fish farm is situated near Muzafargarh city. The fish farm consist of 500 acres being used for culture of carp fish. About 4500 fish specimen of Gift Tilapia was stocked in two fish pond of about half acre each. The fish was stocked on 19th August, 2011 of the size of about ½ to ¾ inch size. A test netting of the fish was made on the visit of the team and the present status of the stock is as under: Average length: 6 inch Average weight: 70 gram The water quality of the pond was poor, turbid water was observed with average depth of 4 feet. About 5 kg farm made feed is being utilized daily in two rations.
Remarks:
Poor growth is observed, mainly due to low feeding regime. The farmer lacks the basic water quality observing instruments.

Visit to Mr. Mushtaq Fish Farm
This fish farm is situated near Muzafargarh city. The fish farm consist of 50 acres being used for culture of carp fish. About 4500 fish specimen of Gift Tilapia was stocked in two fish pond of about half acre each. The fish was stocked on 19th August, 2011 of the size of about ½ to ¾ inch size. A test netting of the fish was made on the visit of the team and the present status of the stock is as under: Average length: 5 inch Average weight: 42 gram The water quality of the pond was poor, turbid to green water was observed with average depth of 4 feet. About 1 kg farm made feed is being utilized daily in two rations.
Remarks:
Poor growth is observed, mainly due to low feeding regime.

FDB Placed under Ministry of Food Security and Research

Fisheries Development Board which was placed under Cabinet Division is now been placed under the Ministry of Food Security and Research. Mr. Israrullah Zahri is the Minister of this newly created ministry.

Donation of Fish Seed

Fish seed (100,000) of high value species i.e. Pangasius and Tilapia (50, 000 each) donated by the Government of Thailand to Pakistan through Fisheries Development Board was arrived on 18 August 2011 at Karachi. The seed was distributed to fish farmers on the same day in Sindh and Punjab. Also two teams have been constituted composed of one Professor and two internees doing Masters or MPhil in Zoology/Fisheries to conduct study during the winter season.

Shifting of Office Building

It is informed that the office of the Fisheries Development Board has been shifted to H.No.9, St.4, Gulshan-e-Al Huda, Chak Shahzad, Park Road, Islamabad. Following are the new phone numbers: 051-9230348-9.

13th meeting of Board of Directors of FDB

The 13th meeting of Board of Directors of Fisheries Development Board is scheduled to be held on 30th June 2011 in the Committee room of Cabinet Division at Islamabad.

4th meeting of HR Committee

The 4th meeting of Human Resource Committee of Fisheries Development Board is scheduled to be held on 29th June 2011 in the office of CEO,FDB at 1700 hours at Islamabad.

Change of Venue for 12th BoD Meeting

The venue for the 12th BoD meeting which is sheduled on 14th May 2011, is changed from MFD to Meeting Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Karachi.

12th BoD Meeting

The 12th meeting of Board of Directors of Fisheries Development Board is scheduled to be held on 14th May 2011 in the Committee Room of Marine Fisheries Department, Karachi.

2nd Meeting of Audit & Finance Committee

The 2nd meeting of Audit and Finance Committee of Fisheries Development Board is scheduled to be held on 3rd May 2011 at FDB Head Office under the chairmanship of Mr. Rohail Baloch, Secretary, Fisheries and Coastal Development, Govt. of Balochistan.

3rd Meeting of Human Resource Committee

The 3rd meeting of Human Resource Committee of Fisheries Development Board was held on 30th April 2011 at FDB Head Office Islamabad under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Shahana Urooj Kazmi.

Presentation to Ambassador of Norway

Mr. M.B. Pantha, Coordinator (Cage), Fisheries Development Board met the Norwegian Ambassador and gave a presentation on damages to fisheries sector due to flood. Mr. Arif Aslam Khan, CEO, FDB could not attended this meeting due to pre-occupied. Mr. Arif Aslam Khan, CEO, FDB also met with Mr. Raza Rabani to discuss matters regarding devolution of MoLDD and the Board.

1st Meeting of Planning & Development Committee

1st Meeting of Planning & Development Committee of Fisheries Development Board was held on 14th April 2011 at FDB Head Office under the Chairmanship of CEO, FDB. Minutes of the meeting will be circulated to all members shortly.

CEO met with Malaysian Amabassador

Mr. Arif Aslam Khan, Chief Executive Officer met the Malaysian Amabassador on 24th March along with Mr. M.B. Pantha. CEO gave presentation to the Ambassador regarding the flood damages to the fisheries sector.

CEO met Thai Ambassador

Mr. Arif Aslam Khan, Chief Executive Officer met Thai Ambassador on Thursday March 08,2011 to discuss bilateral issues pertaining to promotion of fisheries sector. In this regard, FDB through Ministry of Livestock & Dairy Development is submitting a proposal to Govt. of Thailand for provision of fish seed to FDB.

UNIDO Team met with CEO

A team of UNIDO comprising of Dr. Mike Dillon, Mr. Badar ul Islam and Dr. Nasim Akhar visited office of the Fisheries Development Board on 5th March 2011 to discuss possible cooperation between two organizations under TRTA-II project. The following points were discussed in the meeting:

i. Strategic role of Fisheries Development Board in the development of fisheries Sector in Pakistan

ii. Capacity of the Fisheries Development Board to implement its program in the fisheries sector and review of constraints and possible interventions by UNIDO.

iii. Linkages with international organizations for development of the sector.

Brood Stocking at Mirpur Hatchery

Some of the ponds at Mirpur hatchery are ready and brood stock will be stocked shortly in these ponds. At initial stage about 500 numbers of grass carp, silver, Rahu and Gulfam are being stocked.

Press Release

The 11th meeting of Board of Directors of Fisheries Development Board was held on 26th February 2011 at Karachi under the chairmanship of Secretary, MoLDD.

Mr. Arif Aslam Khan, CEO Fisheries Development Board and Mr. Najeeb Ahmed, Project Director, Aquaculture and Shrimp Farming Project highlighted the activities of the Board during the year 2010-11 which includes the establishment of fish/shrimp hatcheries, fish cage farms,training and technical backstopping to fish farmers and provincial fisheries departments, holding of seminars and workshops for provision of latest information and getting feedback from stackholders. Mr. Arif Aslam also briefed the Board about the future plans for promotion of aquaculture through technology transfer and technical backstopping.

11th BoD Meeting

Respected BoD Members,
It is to inform you all that 11th BoD meeting of Fisheries Development Board is scheduled to be held on 26th February 2011 in the committee room of Marine Fisheries Department, Karachi at 1200 hours.

2nd meeting of HR Committee

The 2nd meeting of HR committee was held on 28th January 2011 at Karachi under the chairmanship of Dr. Shahana Urooj Kazmi. Draft minutes of the meeting are sent to members and after approval will be circulated to all members of the Board.

11th BoD Meeting

I am directed to inform all the Honorable members of BoD of FDB that the 11th BoD meeting which was scheduled on 27th January 2011 at MFD, Karachi has been postponed. New date and time will be convened shortly.

11th BoD Meeting of FDB

11th Meeting of Board of Directors of Fisheries Development Board is scheduled to be held on 27th January 2011 at MFD, Karachi.

2nd Meeting of HR Committee

I am directed to state that the 2nd meeting of Human Resource Committee of Fisheries Development Board is scheduled to be held on 24th January 2011 at 1100 hours at FDB head office, Islamabad.

The members of HR committee are kindly requested to make it convenient to participate in this meeting. The working paper and agenda of the meeting will be sent to the members shortly through mail.

Sub Office of FDB

In pursuance of decision made in 10th BoD meeting, the sub-office of Fisheries Development Board has been established in Marine Fisheries Department, Karachi.