Introduction of carp polyculture for effective utilization of waterbodies in Tribal villages of West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh

The tribal villages of Buttaigudem and Polavaram Mandal of West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh culture semi intensive carp polyculture of species of Indian major carp (IMC) i.e. Catla catla (catla), Labeo rohita (rohu) and Cirrhinus mrigala (mrigal) together with the exotic carps (EC) Ctenopharyngodon idella (Chinese grass carp) and Cyprinus carpio (common carp) in ponds. The underutilized water bodies for improving their livelihood of tribal people were chosen for this activity. Scientific management practices were adopted for improving productivity. Organic manures were used for enrichment of natural plankton. In addition to this, artificial pelleted feed was also used to meet the feed demand of the fish. The yield of the pond varied from 950 kg per pond to 2560 kg per pond and this reflects in the gross income generation as about Rs. 1,14,000.00 to 3,07,200.00 with the average price of Rs. 120.00 per kg. The fish yield of the pond varied with the extent of area and management practices followed. This indicated the suitability of the semi intensive carp polyculture practiced through adoption of technology and can improve the livelihood and socio-economic status of the tribal people.