Breeding aquarium fishes for economic upliftment of rural poor

摘要

Keeping ornamental fish and its propagation provides not only aesthetic pleasure but also an excellent financial opening for providing employment opportunities to many, especially for unemployed youth, women, and others through construction of backyard units. It has got a tremendous export potential for earning foreign exchange for the country. The total world trade of ornamental fish including accessories is said to be worth about US 14 billion dollar. Asian contribution to global ornamental fish trade is about 60% and worth US 112.5 million dollar in 2002, where India's share is only l%. Breeding of ornamental fishes can be a profitable proposition if it is done in a well-monitored environment.