PANAJI
Milkfish, also knows as ‘Gholshi’ or by its scientific name ‘chanos chanos’, has the potential to grow on a large scale that can yield sizable profits. Recognizing this potential, the department is encouraging fishermen and farmers in the state to take up milkfish farming.
On Friday, the department will sell milkfish at its premises at the rate of Rs 200 per kilo in a bid to lure fishermen to the possibility of harvesting the species.
Speaking to The Goa, fisheries director Shamila Monteiro said, “Milkfish has a huge potential in Goa and this exercise will be a boon to farmers. The fish we will be selling are hatched at our department-run farm.”
The department will begin selling its stock at 10.30 am on Friday. In future, Monteiro added that such departmental sales will be done as and when stocks are made available.
Milkfish is easy to cultivate and disease resistant. It is also known to be high-yielding, low costing and has low risk factors. The crop period ranges from 3 months and upwards depending on market needs.
Each fish can grow up to one kg size within 8 to10 months, thus making it an endearing option for farmers. It is also widely adaptable to seawater as well as fresh water and is capable of catering to a pan-Indian taste bud. Additionally, it is also highly sustainable, depends on vegetable-based feed and has high feed conversion efficiency.
