A Review on Fish Production Scenario of Cooch Behar District in West Bengal

© 2018, AEXTJ. All Rights Reserved 1
Available Online at www.aextj.com
Agricultural Extension Journal 2018; 2(1):1-12
ISSN 2521 – 0408
REVIEW ARTICLE
A Review on Fish Production Scenario of Cooch Behar District in West Bengal
Ganesh Das1
, Bikash Roy2
, Sujan Biswas3
, Suraj Sarkar4
, Surajit Sarkar5
, Sankar Saha6
1
Department of Agricultural Extension, Cooch Behar Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Uttar Banga Krishi
Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India, 2
Cooch Behar Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Uttar
Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India, 3
Department of Soil Science, Cooch
Behar Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India,
4
Department of Plant Protection, Cooch Behar Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya,
Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India, 5
Department of Horticulture, Cooch Behar Krishi Vigyan Kendra,
Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India, 6
Department of Agronomy,
Cooch Behar Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal,
India
Received: 07-11-2017; Revised: 25-12-2017; Accepted: 03-01-2018
ABSTRACT
Pisciculture is an important livelihood of the farmers of Cooch Behar district. Farmers of Cooch Behar
district cultivated different type fish. Majority of the farmers cultivated fish in a small pond. The study
was conducted in Cooch Behar district to know the fish production scenario and the role of different
organization on livelihood improvement of fish farmer. The study was conducted during January 2017–
April 2017. The study was conducted with the help of secondary source of information. It was found
from the study that different government organization like State Department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra,
and NGO actively work on pisciculture in Cooch Behar. Farmers were used different type indigenous
technology. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis was shown for guiding the
policymaker, scientist, and different government and non-government organization for implementation
any pisciculture project or program.
Key words: Farmers, fish, indigenous, livelihood, organization, pisciculture, pond
INTRODUCTION
Fish has long been an important source food for
people all over the world. The importance of
fish as a source of high quality, balanced, and
easily digestible proteins is well understood.[1]
Fish production is an important livelihood of the
farmers of Cooch Behar district (Map 1). Farmers
of Cooch Behar district cultivated different type
fish. They cultivated fish in a small pond. The
study was conducted in Cooch Behar district
to know the fish production scenario and the
role of different organization on livelihood
improvement of fish farmer. The study was
conducted during January 2017–April 2017.
Secondary source of information was used. It was
found from the study that different government
organizations like State Department, Krishi
Vigyan Kendra, and NGO actively work on
pisciculture in Cooch Behar. A strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT)
analysis was done for guiding the policymaker,
scientist, and different government and non-
government organization for implementation
any project or program.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The study was conducted during January 2017–
April 2017. The secondary source of information
was used as a reference of the study. The study
covers all the blocks of the district. A SWOT
analysis was shown with the help of the findings
of the study.
Address for correspondence:
Ganesh Das,
E-mail: ganesh.ext@gmail.com

Das, et al.: Fish Production Scenario of Cooch Behar District
AEXTJ/Jan-Mar-2018/Vol 2/Issue 1 2
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Cooch Behar district of West Bengal lying
between 25057′47″ and 26036′2″ North latitude
and between 89054′35″ and 88047′44″ East
longitude is very unique in its topography and
climatic characteristics bearing Terai agro-climatic
characteristics and a total water stretch of more
than 6121 ha including hill stream rivers, beels,
and others aquaculture resources. The total riverine
network includes some major rivers such as Torsa,
Ghargharia, Kaljani, and Gadadhar which are the
potential source of huge indigenous fish diversity
along with a considerable number of ornamental
fish population. Cooch Behar is an agriculture-
based district in West Bengal with high rainfall
intensity (more than 3200 mm). About 3200
ha of water bodies are under pisciculture, and
nearly 28.5 thousand families are involved in this
aquaculture operation. This is an essential food
commodity with high demand and high market
price, but production always remains short (about 5
tonnes/year) of its demand. Therefore, investment
in this sector would be a viable proposition.[2]
Cooch Behar is the farthest district of West Bengal
from its capital Kolkata situated at a distance of
about 700 Km and is a north-eastern district of
Jalpaiguri division. Geographically, it is the part
of the Himalayan Terai region of West Bengal.
It is bordered by Jalpaiguri district in the north,
Assam in the east, and Bangladesh in the east,
south and west. The district is 3387 km2
in area
and triangular in shape. River Torsa flows beside
the main town (headquarter) bearing the same
name. The district consists of 5 sub-divisions, 12
blocks and 128 g Panchayat and total numbers of
mouzas of the district is 1168. As per 2001 census,
the total population is 24, 79,155, out of which 12,
72,094 are male and 12, 07,061 are female. The
population of fishermen’s community of the district
is 1, 91,625 and most of the fishermen population
belong to schedule caste and live in most poor
condition below poverty line as they have lost
their last scope to maintain their livelihood by
capturing fish as well as they are not in a position
to cultivate their own water bodies though six
perineal rivers, namely, Tista, Jaldhaka, Torsa,
Raidak, Gadadhar, and Kaljani flow through this
district. Different on-going schemes of Fisheries
Department for Cooch Behar district are such as
training to the fish farmers, Development of Tank
Fisheries, development of aquaculture through
FFDA, promotion of integrated fish farming,
and reclamation of big water body, i.e., Chhara/
Beel, infrastructure development, development of
fishermen cooperative society, old-age pension,
wetland day observation, demonstration center,
Magur breeding with Hatchery along with
indigenous species, development of aquaculture
through short-term credit, fish farmers day
observation, and construction of landing center.
Total water areas of the district are about 6120 ha
out of which about 2932 ha are under Beel fisheries,
2007 ha are under Tank Culture, and the rest of
water areas are flowing rivers. It has one CFCS, 63
nos. of Primary Fisherman’s Cooperative Society
Ltd., (PFCS), 12 no. of Fish production groups
(FPG), and 50 nos. of a self-help group (SHG) are
promoting the fish production and employment
generation in the district. 15 numbers of hatcheries
in the district are producing fish seed (spawn)
which were recorded near about 449.43 million
during 2010–2011. Total water area under PFCS
is about 3,588.09 ha in which culturable water area
is about 2,081.72 ha and capturable water area is
about 1,506.37 ha with a total fish production of
about 18332 MT during 2010–2011.
Due to the topography and special condition of soil
and water of the district, the main hurdle in fish
production is a higher fluctuation of water depth
in monsoon and the lean period. For this reason,
most of the tanks or water bodies are seasonal in
nature which badly effects fish production.
The district is bestowed with a large number of
water bodies which are utilized for pisciculture
activities. Some of the water bodies have been
restored and renovated to make them useful for
irrigation purposes also. This water bodies can be
more effectively utilized for pisciculture activities
which can really supplement the income of the
rural poor to a considerable level. There is large
water area in the district which can be exploited
for inland fisheries and can also be used as source
of irrigation water. Aquaculture plays a great role
in human nutrition and upliftment of rural poor
people and considering immense production
possibilities and export potential. There is
considerable scope for inland fisheries due to
eating habits of the populace. Besides imbibed
with low lying areas under Government Khas land
and seasonal water areas along highways, there
are many numbers of tanks and ponds which at
present are used for community fishing/leasing
out to cooperatives and can be managed suitably.
The total water available in the district is as under.

Statistical data of the fish production in Cooch
Behar district
Different types of fishes were cultivated in Cooch
BeharDistrict.AlargenumbersoffarmersofCooch
Behar District were depends on pisciculture. But
it was location specific. The following Tables 1-6
reflectthe detailsfish productionscenarioof Cooch
Behar district in a nutshell.[3]
Pisciculture in Cooch Behar district
The district is bestowed with a large number of
water bodies which are utilized for pisciculture
activities. Some of the water bodies have been
restored and renovated to make them useful for
irrigation purposes also. This water bodies can be
more effectively utilized for pisciculture activities
which can really supplement the income of the
rural poor to a considerable level. There is large
water area in the district which can be exploited
for inland fisheries and can also be used as a
source of irrigation water. Besides imbibed with
low lying areas and seasonal water areas along
highways, there are tanks and ponds which at
present are used for community fishing/leasing
out to cooperatives and can be managed suitably.
Setting up of more hatcheries will meet the local
demand and also leave good scope to market the
surplus seeds to the adjoining states. The private
sector should invest as there is a great possibility.
Strengths
• Considerable scope for inland fisheries.
• Fishery lends a great deal to rural economy.
• A number of ponds, tanks existing in the
district.
• Good potential for capture fisheries/culture
fisheries in the open water and aquaculture in
the periphery of the water bodies.
• The production is 8120 MT while demand is
34200 MT thereby showing great potential in
this sector.
Weakness
• Fish farmers do not practice fish farming
in scientific/recommended line and have
developed an intermediate area specific
technology of their own, which is neither
traditional nor composite.
• Lack of modern techniques of pisciculture
among the farmers.
• Large water bodies are still fallow or are being
cultured below the desired level due to multi-
ownership, financial problem, non-availability
of technical support on time, non-availability
of inputs as to fingerling, fish feed, etc.
• No adherence of fish breeding protocol by the
carp fish seed producers, resulting in breeding
regressioninthecarpprogenywhichultimately
cause slow and lesser growth thereby effecting
low yield.
• Lack of availability of timely credit assistance
resulting in encroachment of moneylenders.
Opportunity
• Through excavation of silted river bed and
ponds, fish production can be increased
substantially.
• Shortdurationpisciculturetoreviveindigenous
varieties such as magur, chitol, and pabda.
• Scope for production of value-added products
from low-cost fish.
• Thrust to be given for polyculture to maximum
utilization of resources.
• Proper initiatives can be taken up for the
awareness about advanced technology.
• Huge scope for inland fishery activities.
• Value addition can be done through processing
and achieve higher incomes.
• Conduct soil testing and based on the
characteristics of the soil construct preferably
perennial ponds.
Threat
• Natural disaster (flood and earth quick).
• Availability of market.
• Availability of good quality spawn.
Different fishery scheme in Cooch Behar
district
Government sponsored different fishery schemes
Integrated fish farming
Under this scheme, fish farming was carried out
with duck, poultry bird, pig, domestic animal
(cattle/cow), horticulture, sericulture, floriculture,
paddy culture, etc. To initiate integrated fish
farming a minimum area of 0.2 ha or 1.5 Bigha or

50 Satak is required. Farmers those who are doing
fish culture in lease waterbody could also take this
opportunity of this scheme.
Old age pension
Old and aged poor infirmed fishermen (60 years
above), who have no other source of income and
helping hand, are selected for the scheme. The
selection was done as per recommendation and
approval of Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad.
Training for fish farmers’and fishermen’s
There are several categories of trainings starting from
1 day to 15 days. Trainings were generally conducted
at block level/district level. Residential training at
state level in details with more elaborately is also
conducted at different time with separate course
module ranging from 15 days to 30 days or more.
Social fishery schemes
This is partial or full subsidized schemes. Under
Map 1: Cooch Behar district[7]
Map 2: Geospatial mapping of fisheries[8]

this schemes 5000 nos. fingerling/ha with other
inputs such as lime and feed were provided to the
farmers.
Fish farming for SC/ST community people
The SC/ST category fish farmers were
benefited under this scheme. They are
provided training for fish culture. All inputs
including fish seed, feed was provided to
them in full subsidy.
Minikit distribution
Minikit was distributed from State Government
or Zilla Parishad fund time to time to the PFCS/
FPG/SHGs/poor marginal fish farmers and
fishermen’s.
Fishermen accidental insurance
Government of West Bengal with the help of
Government of India supports one time accidental
benefit of an amount of Rs. 50,000 in case of death
of fishers during fishing to the deceased family.This
scheme covers all fishermen cooperative society
Table 1: Fish production in Cooch Behar district[7]
1. Impounded water area (tank/ponds) [in hac.] 2006.89
2. Total water area of Beel/Boar [in hac.] 2932.28
3. River water area [in hac.] 1181.66
4. Total water area [in hac] 6120.83
5. Total no. of Beel/Chhara 270
6. Total no. of active Beel/Chhara 95
7. Total no. of seed [Spawn] production, 2010-2011 [million] 449.43
8. Total production of table fish, 2010-2011 [M. tons.] 18332.00
9. Total production of table fish of PFCS Ltd., 2010-2011 [M. tons.] 7510.00
10. Total requirement of table fish per year [M. tons.], IMC, exotic and
riverine
34200.00
11. Total no. Fisherman Identity Card Issued, 2010-2011 18672
12. Total no. of wholesale fish dealer licensee [only municipal area] 71
13. Total no. of wholesale fish market 56
14. Total no. of retail fish market 148
15. Total no. of retailer for fish market 2470
16. Total no. of fish seed hatchery [IMC and exotic] 15
17. Total no. of PFCS Ltd. 60
18. Total no. of members of PFCS Ltd. 12918
19. Total no. fisherman: (1) Male: 75085, (2) female: 68824 143909
20. Total no. of fisherman family 30619
21. Total no. of fishing village 643
22. Total no. of women’s ornamental PFCS Ltd. 3
23. Total no. of women trained by net fabrication training 300
24. Total no. of CFCS Ltd. 1
25. Total no. of SHG 113
26. Total no. of members of SHG 986
27. Total no. of FPG 91
28. Total no. of members of FPG 957
29. Total no. of active FPG 20
30. Total no. of sub-division 5
31. Total no. of block 12
32. Total no. of gram Panchayat 128
33. Total no. of mouza/village 1168
34. Total nos. of municipality 6
35. Total no. of old age pensioners [12 blocks] 355
36. Total no. of lab-cum-training center 8
37. Total effective water area on pisciculture [in hac.] 3155.40
PFCS: Primary Fisherman’s Cooperative Society Ltd., SHG: Self-help group, FPG: Fish production groups

members. Under this scheme fishers from Cooch
Behar District have benefited during the year 2012.
Bi-lingual fishermen identity card
The PFCS Ltd., members of the district will be
covered under such scheme. This will not only
give them an identity but will also help them to
move freely in border area during fishing time.
Infrastructure development for fishers community
The Government of West Bengal helps the fishers
by supporting financial assistance in terms of
construction fishermen hut, community hall, road,
drinking water facilities, and electrical works.
National fisheries development board (NFDB) schemes
The objective of this scheme is to provide
necessary stocking material like fish fingerling to
the big water body @ 2000/ha. So far three no. of
big water bodies, namely, Dharala Nadir Chhara
(Nakkati Beel) under Sakdal PFCS Ltd., Dinhata-I
Dev. block and another two under at Dinhata-II
Dev.block,namely,NayarChharaunderSahebganj
PFCS Ltd., and Dashiar Chhara under Bamanhat
Table 2: Block-wise water areas in Cooch Behar district (in ha.)[7]
Name of block Chhara/Beel Pond/Tank River area Total area Culturable area Fisherman family
Cooch Behar-I 437.80 270.37 150.00 858.17 410.88 3332
Cooch Behar-II 205.56 180.65 75.00 461.21 290.50 3672
Dinhata-I 309.60 102.55 75.00 625.55 392.82 2892
Dinhata-II 485.80 240.95 122.00 828.35 451.55 2369
Sitai 264.65 220.55 75.00 442.20 175.50 1429
Tufanganj-I 261.81 165.55 100.00 527.36 295.06 3662
Tufanganj-II 178.52 100.03 100.00 378.55 182.49 1923
Mathabhanga-I 252.44 220.70 100.00 573.14 295.00 3681
Mathabhanga-II 356.00 290.40 150.00 796.40 335.50 2526
Sitalkuchi 106.11 73.04 84.66 263.81 120.55 2275
Mekhliganj 27.17 26.60 50.00 103.77 60.00 1325
Haldibari 46.82 115.50 100.00 262.32 145.55 1533
Total 2932.28 2006.89 1181.66 6120.83 3155.40 30619
Table 4: Status report of fish cooperative society in Cooch
Behar district[7]
Sl. no. Block name/municipality Total no. of
cooperative
society
1. Cooch Behar-I Dev. block 05
2. Cooch Behar-II Dev. block 05
3. Dinhata-I Dev. block 14
4. Dinhata-II Dev. block 06
5. Tufanganj-I Dev. block 09
6. Tufanganj-II Dev. block 05
7. Mathabhanga-I Dev. block 04
8. Mathabhanga-II Dev. block 04
9. Sitalkuchi Dev. block 04
10. Mekhliganj Dev. block 03
11. Haldibari Dev. block 01
12. Sitai Dev. block 02
13. Sadar Municipality, Cooch Behar 01
14. Cooch Behar CFCS Ltd., (at
district level)
01
Total 64
Table 3: Project undertaken by RKVY[7]
A Cage culture
1 Satmile Matshyajibi Samabay Samity Ltd., Vill: Chhat
Elajaner Kuthi, P.O: Alajanerkuthi, Block: Cooch Behar-I
2 Nakarkhana FCS Ltd., Vill and P.O: Nakarkhana, block:
Tufanganj-II
B Brood stock management Paku
1 Matalhat FPG, Vill:-Bhalka, P.O.: Matalhat, Dinhata-I Dev.
block
2 Maruganj FPG, Vill. and P.O.: Maruganj, Tufanganj-I Dev.
block
C Paddle boat
1 Gitaldaha Anchalik PFCS Ltd., block: Dinhata-II
2 Rakhalmari PFCS Ltd., Block: Dinhata-II
D Semi intensive culture of Chital
1 Arampur FCS Ltd., P.O: Balaierhat, block: Tufanganj-I
2 Horibolhat Janapriya Mahila Gosthi, Vill.-Petla Adabari,
P.O.- Kismat Adabari, block: Sitai
3 Rampur Anchal FCS Ltd., P.O: Rampur, block: Tufanganj-II
4 Guriahati FPG, Block: Cooch Behar-I
5 Ankur Swaimbhar Gosthi, Vill and P.O: Hatiduba, block:
Cooch Behar-II
6 Bamanhat FPG, Vill and P.O: Bamanhat, block: Dinhata-II
7 Ashokbari FCS Ltd., Vill and P.O: Ashokbari, block:
Mathabhanga-I
8 Nishiganj FCS Ltd., P.O: Nishiganj, block: Mathabhanga-II
9 Balasi Yuba Sangrami Swaimbhar Gosthi, Vill: Dari bosh
Fulbari, P.O: Singimari, block: Mathabhanga-II
PFCS: Primary Fisherman’s Cooperative Society Ltd., FPG: Fish production groups

PFCS Ltd., benefited under this scheme.
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) scheme
RKVY - 2008-2009
Under the RKVY scheme 2008-2009 two no.
of hatchery was modified to breed the endanger
fishes. This was implemented in Gadadhar FPG
under Tufanganj-I block and Kalakata FPG at
Kalakata under Dinhata-I Dev. block.
RKVY - 2009-2010
Under the RKVY Scheme 2008-2009, one unit
for construction of block-level lab-cum-training
center was sanctioned and it was implemented in
Dinhata-I Dev. block.
RKVY - 2010-2011
Under the RKVY scheme 2010-2011, several
projects were undertaken by the district, of which
the cultural schemes are cage culture (2 unit),
intensive culture of Chital (9 unit), and culture
of Paku (2 unit); infrastructure and other projects
such as construction of a new hatchery (1 unit)
and supply of fiber paddle boat (2 unit) are also
implemented.
RKVY - 2011-2012
Under the RKVY scheme 2011-2012, a number
of different types of projects were assigned to the
district which includes:
1. Culture of indigenous small fish in backyard
ponds.
2. Development of integrated fishery for A
category PFCS ltd.
3. Seed Mahotsav on wetland day/fish farmers’
day, distribution of endangered along IMC
fish seed.
4. Pisciculture with local indigenous species in
North Bengal.
5. Project proposal for Matshyajan (mobile,
insulated fish vending unit).
6. Liberation of fish fingerlings in the ponds
excavated under MGNREGS.
7. Distribution of hygienic insulated box to fish
venders/collectors.
8. Construction and commissioning of lab-cum-
training center.
9. Training on inland fish farming to district level
beneficiaries/fish farming communities.
10. Imparting training on inland fish farming
to block level beneficiaries/fish farming
communities.
Cooch Behar KVK activity
Cooch Behar KVK organized so many skills-based
training, demonstration and awareness program
on scientific method of fishery production in a
different block of Cooch Behar district from 2005
to 2016 [Figure 1].
Status report of fish cooperative society in Cooch
Behar district
Present status of fish cooperative society of
different block of Cooch Behar district found from
the district official website.[3]
Geospatial mapping of fisheries in West Bengal
Geospatial mapping is a location based study and
is a part of intelligence GIS which is expected to be
useful tool for fisheries scientists, aquatic resource
managers and policy planners in developing and
planning strategies for fisheries resources of the
country. A Geospatial mapping of west Bengal
was shown in MAP2 which was found from the
study of anonymous[8]
.
Table 5: Basic information about the fish farmers in
Cooch Behar district[4]
Sl.
no.
Particulars Estimated
information
1. Average size of holding (ha) 0.26
2. Average size of water body (ha) 0.10
3. Leased-in water body (ha) Negligible
4. Age of fish farmers (years) 18–60
5. Educational level Primary to higher
secondary
6. Fishery as primary occupation
(No.)
27.5%
7. Other economic activities Crop, livestock, and
business
8. Employment of hired labor (ha) 67%
9. Active participation in fishery
operations (No.)
80%
10. Training received on fishery
(No.)
51 65%
11. Types of fish reared Small, big, and
indigenous fishes
12. Place of marketing Local and town
market
13. Income from fishery for a
single operation (Rs`/ha)
20,500–27,600

S.
no.
Local
name
Scientific name Cons
status
Order Family Number/
collection
Relative
abundance
Category
of use
1. Chapila Gudusia chapra VU Clupeiformes Clupeidae 50 +++ Fo
2. Koi Anabas testudineus VU Anabantiformes Anabantidae 02 + Fo
3. Loach Nemacheilus botia LRnt Cypriniformes Balitoridae 03 + Po
4. Gang magur Amblyceps mangois EN Siluriformes Amblycipitidae 01 + Ho
5. Beth Rongi Botia dario VU Cypriniformes Cobitidae 02 + Ho
6. Panchax Aplocheilus panchax LRlc Cyprinodontiformes Aplocheilidae 04 + Ho
7. Lohachata Botia lohachata EN Cypriniformes Cobitidae 01 + Ho
8. Ghutum Noemacheilus
arunachalensis
LRlc Cypriniformes Balitoridae 32 ++ Po
9. Kukurbotia Somileptes gongota VU Cypriniformes Cobitidae 05 + Ho
10. Mowa Amblypharyngodon
mola
LRlc Cypriniformes Cobitidae 44 +++ Fo
11. Boroli Barilus barna VU Cypriniformes Cyprinidae 04 + Fo
12. Devario
puthi
Danio devario LRnt Cypriniformes Cyprinidae 08 + Po
13. Darikana Esomus danricus LRlc Cypriniformes Cyprinidae 63 +++ Ho
14. Puti Puntius sophore LRnt Cypriniformes Cyprinidae 47 +++ Po
15. Puti Puntius sarana VU Cypriniformes Cyprinidae 43 +++ Fo
16. Puti Puntius ticto LRnt Cypriniformes Cyprinidae 64 +++ Po
17. Puti Oreichthys cosuatis LRlc Cypriniformes Cyprinidae 02 + Ho
18. Chala Salmostoma bacaila LRlc Cypriniformes Cyprinidae 23 ++ Fo
19. Puti Oreichthys
crenuchoides
DD Cypriniformes Cyprinidae 01 + Ho
20. Balitora Psilorhynchus
balitora
VU Cypriniformes Psilorhynchidae 01 + Fo
21. Chang Ophiocephalus
gachua
LRlc Channiformes Channidae 03 + Fo
22. Lata Ophiocephalus
punctatus
LRnt Channiformes Channidae 18 + Fo
23. Shoal Ophiocephalus
striatus
LRlc Channiformes Channidae 15 + Fo
24. Khosla Colisa fasciatus LRlc Cyprinodontiformes Belontidae 27 ++ Po
25. Khosla Colisa lalia LRlc Cyprinodontiformes Belontidae 14 + Ho
26. Kakila Xenentodon cancila LRnt Beloniformes Belonidae 36 ++ Fo
27. Meni Nandus nandus LRnt Perciformes Nandidae 12 + Po
28. Chanda Chanda nama LRlc Perciformes Chandidae 15 + Po
29. Chanda Chanda ranga LRnt Perciformes Chandidae 02 + Ho
30. Balia Glossogobius guris LRnt Perciformes Gobiidae 14 + Fo
31. Gochi Macrognathus
aculeatus
LRlc Persiformes Mastacembelidae 42 +++ Po
32. Gota Mastacembelus
pancalus
LRlc Persiformes Mastacembelidae 60 +++ Po
33. Tangra Mystus vittatus LRnt Siluriformes Bagridae 59 +++ Ho
34. Tangra Mystus gulio LRlc Siluriformes Bagridae 28 ++ Fo
35. Tarkata Conta pectinata LRlc Siluriformes Sisoridae 08 + Ho
36. Batasi Pseudeutropius
atherinoides
LRlc Siluriformes Schilbeidae 45 +++ Fo
37. Tangra Mystus tengara LRlc Siluriformes Bagridae 38 ++ Ho
38. Tarkata Hara hara LRlc Siluriformes Sisoridae 02 + Ho
39. Pipe fish Microphis deocata VU Syngnathiformes Syngnathidae 09 + Ho
40. Pholi Notopterus
notopterus
EN Osteoglossiformes Notopteridae 46 +++ Fo
Table 6: Status of indigenous ornamental fishes in Cooch Behar district[5]
(contd...)

Basic information about the fish farmers in Cooch
Behar district of West Bengal
Anonymous[4]
found the following basic
information of the fish farmers of Cooch Behar
district.
Status of indigenous ornamental fishes in Cooch
Behar district
Anonymous[5]
found the following indigenous
fishes and their status in Cooch Behar District,
West Bengal.
Fishing gears operated in Cooch Behar district
Anonymous[6]
found the following fishing gear
used by the fish farmers of Cooch Behar district.
Net fishing gears
a. Cast net (Chhabi Jal): Cast net or Chhabi Jal
[Figure 2a] is the main fishing gear of Cooch
Behar district. Cast net is a small bell-shaped
net with weights on the periphery and having
a string. The principle is to throw the net in a
circle for trapping the fishes of a water body.
Cast net is operated in rivers, Beels, and ponds
throughout the year. Fishes such as Indian
major carp, Labeo bata, Hypophthalmichthys
molitrix, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Puntius
spp., Mystus sp., and others are caught.
b. Gillnet(PhansiJal):GillnetlocallycalledPhansi
Jal [Figure 2b] is commonly used to catch fishes
by gilling. Fishes which try to pass through it get
gilled.Meshsizeofthegillnetvariesfrom0.6 cm
to 7.5 cm for different sized target fishes. It is
wall netting, rectangular in shape and is provided
with a head rope of polypropylene carrying floats
and a foot rope with or without sinkers. Gill nets
are made up of polyamide monofilament. Fishes
such as Mystus sp., Heteropneustes fossilis,
Clarias batrachus, Channa spp., Anabas sp.,
Puntius spp., Mastacembelus sp., Wallago attu,
Labeo rohita and so on are caught. It is also a
major fishing gear operated in rivers and beels
throughout the year.
c. Lift net (Sitki Jal): The Lift net or Sitki Jal
[Figure 2c] is a square net. The four corners
of which are tied to the tip of two crossed
flexible bamboos. A bamboo is attached
to the point of crossing, and the whole
arrangement may or may not have a rope.
Lift net is usually operated in the monsoon
months. The major catch composition
includes Puntius spp., Amblypharyngodon
mola, and Barilius sp.
d. Dragnet (Masari Jal and Bed Jal): Drag net
[Figure 2d] locally called as Masari Jal and
Bed Jal. This net, which is widely used, is
structurally rectangular in shape and has a
head rope carrying floats and a foot rope with
or without sinkers. The net is usually operated
throughouttheyear.Themeshsizeis0.12 cm.
Most of the pond fishes such as Indian major
carp, exotic carp, L. bata, Puntius spp., Mystus
sp., Notopterus sp., and air-breathing fishes
are caught by dragnet.
e. Cloth net (Tana Jal): The cloth net is a fine-
Figure 1: Training on fish production by Cooch Behar
Krishi Vigyan Kendra
S.
no.
Local
name
Scientific name Cons
status
Order Family Number/
collection
Relative
abundance
Category
of use
41. Tarkata Hara jerdoni LRlc Siluriformes Sisoridae 02 + Ho
42. Cutcutia Tetraodon cutcutia LRnt Tetraodontiformes Tetraodontidae 04 + Ho
43. Tangra Mystus cavasius VU Siluriformes Bagridae 32 ++ Ho
44. Tarkata Hara koladynensis LRlc Siluriformes Sisoridae 06 + Ho
45. Pabda Ompok pabda VU Siluriformes Siluridae 10 + Fo
46. Pabda Ompok pabo EN Siluriformes Siluridae 20 + Fo
Ho: Ornamental, Po: Potential ornamental, Fo: Food ornamental, EN: Endangered, VU: Vulnerable, DD: Data deficient, LRnt: Low risk near threatened, LRlc: Low risk least
concern
Table 6: (Continued)

meshed mosquito net. It is locally called Tana
Jal. During fishing by cloth net, two persons
hold the net at opposite ends and lift it from
the water when sufficient numbers of fishes are
trapped. Cloth net is implemented throughout
the year except for monsoon months in ponds
of Cooch Behar district. The fishes usually
caught by cloth net are Puntius spp., A. mola,
and Esomus denricus.
f. Push net (Thela Jal): Push net or Thela Jal is
a very common net used by local fishermen
to catch fishes in the lentic and lotic water
bodies of Cooch Behar district. It is made up
of a triangular bamboo frame fitted with a
mosquito netting cloth [Figure 2e]. Fishermen
operate it by pushing it into the water body
and are used throughout the year. Fishes such
as Trichogaster sp., spawn and fry of Murrels,
Puntius spp., A. mola, and E. denricus are
usually caught by the push net.
g. Stationary Lift net (Khora Jal): This is also a
popular fishing gear operated in different rivers
of Cooch Behar district throughout the year
[Figure 2f]. In stationary lift net or Khora Jal,
some bamboo poles are fixed in the water body.
Twobamboosarethenattachedatoneendandtied
up with ropes so that they are widely separated at
opposite ends. To these ends, a triangular net is
attached.A fisherman can periodically submerge
and lift this net with the help of bamboo and
capture the fishes. Major catch compositions
are Indian major carp, Puntius spp., Barilius sp.,
Mystus sp., and L. bata.
h. Seine net (Haath Jal): Seine net is a rectangular
net similar to that of dragnet having a head
rope carrying floats and foot rope without any
sinkers. Seine net is locally called a Haath Jal.
The mesh size of seine net is larger than dragnet
and is operated in the monsoon months. Mode
of operation of seine net is similar to that of
dragnet. Fishes such as Indian and exotic carps
are usually caught.
Tackles
a. Hook and line (Barshi):An iron hook is usually
attached at the end of a line (nylon cord). This
line with attached hook is then fixed to the end
of a bamboo stick. Additional arrangement
includes a sinker to sink the hook in water
and a reel for casting the line. The hooks are
provided with baits such as earthworm, nymph
of beetle, and small frog. The hook and line
fishing method is operated throughout the year.
A large number of fishes such as L. rohita,
Puntius spp., Mystus sp. W. attu, and air
breathers are caught by this method.
b. Barsha: A Barsha consists of a long line. It is set
vertically down into the water with baited hooks
having a weight at the bottom and a float at the
top. The Barsha with baited hooks is kept in the
water body in the evening and collected the next
morning. This fishing gear is generally observed
to be operated during monsoon months in beels
and ponds. Catfishes and murrels are usually
caught by this fishing gear.
Miscellaneous gears
a. Spearfishing(Koncha/TetaandShuli):Koncha/
Teta and Shuli are two types of indigenous
spears used in Cooch Behar district. Koncha
or Teta [Figure 2g] has a long handle made of
split bamboo shaft of about 2–3 m fitted with
many conical iron rods or projecting bamboo
sticks equipped with hooks. It is thrown at the
larger fishes by a fisherman standing by the
side of a water body or in a boat. The spear
(Koncha or Teta) is used to catch L. rohita,
C. idella, Catla catla, W. attu, Channa spp.,
and C. batrachus. On the other hand, Shuli
Figure 2: (a-n) Fishing gears operated in Cooch Behar
district. (a) Cast net, (b) gill net, (c) lift net, (d) drag net,
(e) push net, (f) stationary lift net, (g) Koncha or Teta,
(h) Shuli, (i) Zakoi, (j) Pala, (k) Jhoka, (l) Chalk, (m) Tapai,
(n) Burung
d
h i
j k l
m n
c
g
b
f
a
e

[Figure 2h] is made of 1.5–2.0 m long iron
rod, the end of which is angular in shape. It
is repeatedly insert in and around the holes of
marginal embankments by the fishermen until
vibration is felt on the handle indicating, the
presence of Monopterus cuchia in the holes
and the fish is caught by digging.
b. Electrofishing: In Cooch Behar district,
electrofishing is a common practice in some
rivers. Here, fishes are caught by passing an
electric current through electrodes (anode and
cathode) from a 12V portable battery placed on
a boat into the river water. The electric current
stuns the fishes, and erratic movement occurs
by either jumping out of water or coming to
the water surface to be easily captured by hand
or scoop net. Electrofishing is operated in the
shallow water areas of the river.
c. Khatal (fish aggregating device): In some
areas of rivers where water current is low, a
temporary fencing is prepared by bamboo,
Eichhornia, Pistia, banana leaves, and twigs.
After a few days, these areas are covered by
mosquito nets and the fishes are caught by cast
net. This method is applied throughout the
year except monsoon. Fishes such as Indian
major carp and exotic carp are caught by this
method.
d. Bamboo piece immersion: Small-sized mature
bamboo pieces are having both sides open
and a node in the middle are submerged in the
ponds for a few days. The bamboo pieces are
then taken out of the ponds by covering the
holes with palm or fingers. The fishes entering
the bamboo pieces are caught. By this method
of fishing catfishes such as H. fossilis and
C. batrachus are generally harvested.
e. Harkka or Tapa: It is a triangular bamboo
frame attached with a sheet made up of
bamboo. Harkka or Tapa with straw or plant
parts is submerged in water. After a couple of
days, these are taken out of the water body with
the help of a rope attached to the harkka or
tapa, and the trapped fishes are caught. Major
fish catch compositions are freshwater loach,
Lepidocephalichthys guntea, Mastacembelus
sp., and Channa spp.
f. Zakoi: Zakoi is an indigenous fishing gear
made by local fishermen of the Cooch Behar
district with the help of bamboo. It has an upper
and a lower side. The upper side is made up of
a triangular bamboo frame, whereas, the lower
side which is closed below has a sieve made
of bamboo attached to the triangular frame.
This structure thus results in a central space
being formed and opens through this frame.
The gear has a handle made up of bamboo
attached at one angle of the triangular bamboo
frame, and a rope is tied at the base of the
frame [Figure 2i]. Zakoi can be operated by a
fisherman in rivers and ponds of this district.
Fishes such as Puntius sp., Trichogaster sp.,
A. mola, and Channa spp. can be caught.
Fishing by Zakoi is also employed by women.
g. Pala: An indigenous fishing gear too, of
the district, has ring-like appearance with a
wide opening at the lower side and a narrow
opening on the upper side made up of bamboo
sticks [Figure 2j]. In summer and winter when
the level of water decreases, Pala is kept at
the bottom of the water body trapping some
amount of water where fishes are expected.
The trapped fishes in the Pala are handpicked.
Small and medium-sized fishes are caught by
this device in turbid and muddy water.
h. Jhoka: Jhoka, an indigenous fishing basket, is
cylindrical in shape made of bamboo sticks
having two openings [Figure 2k]. Mode of
operation is similar to that of Pala. Only
difference with Pala is that small fishes can be
caught in it. Jhoka is operated in the monsoon
months of the year in different rivers of this
district.
i. Chalk: Another indigenous fishing gear of
the district, has a wide opening at the lower
side surrounded by a rounded bamboo frame
attached to a net [Figure 2l]. The upper side
is conically narrowed with four bamboo sticks
tied with a net.
j. Tapai: Tapai is a rectangular fish trap made
of bamboo stick interwoven by nylon threads
[Figure 2m]. The trap fishing works on the
principle of allowing fishes to enter the trap
and then preventing their escape from the trap.
The dimension of the Tapai varies as per the
need. However, the standard size is 0.50–1.5 m
in length, 0.30–0.40 m width and 0.10–0.2 m
height.The gear having two sides has 2–7 doors
on each side. The entrance or doors are of very
specialized structure and works as a one-way
valve. Due to this valve, fishes entering the
box cannot escape. The diameter of the door

is 0.25 m wide so that fish of large size can
be caught. The trap is set at a water depth of
0.15 m keeping the water level just above the
door with the help of rope, mud, and branches
of trees. Fishes moving along with water enter
through the doors. By this gear, live fishes can
be caught without any physical injury. Tapai
is very common in Cooch Behar district as
no guarding of the trap is required. The trap is
placed in a specific location and taken out after
some time or some days. Tapai is operated in
monsoon months of a year in rivers and beels.
The major catch composition is Mystus sp.,
Mastacembelus sp., Puntius spp., Channa spp.,
Lepidocephalichthys sp., and prawns.
k. Burung: Burung is an oval-shaped indigenous
fishing trap made of bamboo sticks interwoven
bynylonthreads[Figure 2n].Workingprinciple
of Burung is similar to that of Tapai. Unlike
Tapai it has only one entrance and is operated
in monsoon months in rivers and beels. Burung
is used to catch small fishes such as Puntius
spp., Channa spp., A. mola and so on.
Fisheries intervention plan
To gear up the developmental activities of fishery
sector in Cooch Behar district, the following
activities and program are initiated.
1. CFCS of the district should be assisted by
special dose with special emphasis to come
under modern scientific pisciculture for
augmentation of fish production.
2. Poor performance of PFCS of the district should
be re-organized by complaining cooperative
attitude and rendering financial assistance to all
the societies for development of fish production
commercially under culturable scheme. And
awareness campaign should maintain regularly.
3. Special emphasis should be given to culture
for utilizing the seasonal tanks of the district.
4. Promoting the ideas of air-breathing fish
culture and setting up of air-breathing fish
seed hatcheries.
5. More popularization and easy institutional
financingrequireinashort-termcreditprogram
of the district by taking latest technology for
enhancement of fish production [Figure 3].
REFERENCES
1. Biswajit G. Extent of Knowledge of Fish farmers about
Scientific Fish culture Practices in North 24 Parganas of
West Bengal, India. Agric Ext J 2017;1:16-21.
2. Report of the Assistant Director of Fishery(ADF),
Coochbehar District, West Bengal; 2007.
3. Available from: http://www.coochbehar.nic.in/Fishery_
Department.html. [Last accessed on 2017 Feb 28].
4. Roy TN. Economic analysis of producers’ perceptions
about impact of climate change on fisheries in West
Bengal. Agric Econ Res Rev 2012;25:161-6.
5. Dey A, Mukherjee A, Sarkar D, Ray N. Status of
indigenous ornamental fish diversity and abundance in
Ghargharia river in Coochbehar district of West Bengal.
Int J Pure Appl Biosci 2015;3:133-7.
6. Das RK, Barat S. Fishing gears operated in lentic and
lotic water bodies of Cooch Behar district, West Bengal,
India. Indian J Tradit Knowl 2014;13:619-25.
7. Official Website of Cooch Behar district in West Bengal.
Available from: http://www.coochbehar.gov.in.
8. Singh R, Pandey PK, Sinha A. Geospatial mapping of
fisheries profile of west Bengal of India through GIS. J
Agric Sci Technol 2011;1:1197-204.
Figure 3: Fish production activity photograph.
(a) Catching Fish at Chaitarchhara, Sahebganj, Dinhata-
II Dev. Block, (b) “Chital” fish sampling under RKVY,
2010-11 scheme, (c) Gadadhar fish seed farm, Tufanganj,
(d) Cage culture under RKVY, 2010-11 at Chadga Beel,
Nakarkhana, Tufanganj
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