Sk Shoaib, SAU Correspondent
Researchers of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) introduced Biofloc, a green method of pisciculture in Bangladesh. Biofloc is one of the most advanced techniques of fish farming and has been recognized as safe fish production internationally. Dr AM Shahabuddin, Chairman of Aquaculture department and Shahrear Hemal, lecturer at same department have been researching biofloc technology for last one year. They experimented on indigenous fish species culture suitability in biofloc technology. The researchers claimed that this technology could produce up to 10 to 20 times more fish than conventional methods at pond and it is expected that the cost of fish production will be reduced by half.
Researchers cultured indigenous shing, magur and tilapia using 600 square meter space at the roof-top of agriculture faculty building of SAU. In this system, daily feed requirement of fish is reduced by converting fish faeces into feed with the help of probiotic bacteria. Basically, beneficial bacteria convert harmful ammonia (NH3) into microbial protein by confirming high carbon(C)-nitrogen (N) ratio in water which fish takes as feed.
Dr AM Shahabuddin said, “Biofloc is a protein rich macro aggregate of organic material and micro-organisms including diatoms, bacteria, protozoa, algae, faecal pellets, remains of dead organisms and other invertebrates. It is an aquaculture system that effectively ensures maximum utilization of nutrients without changing water or changing very little water. It’s a green method that ensures continuous reuse of nutrients in water, food safety and security. It also reduces the cost of feed for fish production.’’
Scientists said that a maximum volume of 800 to 1000 kg of fish can be produced in a 10 cubic meter biofloc fish tank. This requires a source of beneficial bacteria, regular water quality monitoring, temperature control and constant power supply. Shahrear Hemal mentioned that fish culture using this technology reduces the amount of feed and the incidence of diseases is also reduced. At homestead, any farmer can easily culture fish using this technique in 5 to 10 tanks with technical skill gained through training.
The research team added that the widespread use of biofloc in Bangladesh will increase the total fish production which will help to achieve the Government’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).They welcome the visitors to SAU campus to see this biofloc project at afternoon every Thursday.