4L River Prawn Seed Stocking Undertaken in Khindsi Lake Nagpur: Minister of State and Ramtek MLA Ashish Jaiswal recently initiated the stocking of nearly four lakh river prawn seeds in Khindsi Lake at Ramtek. The move marks a strategic shift from traditional fishery practices, focusing on high-value species to enhance productivity and fishermen’s incomes. The initiative aligns with the natural breeding and egg-laying cycle of river prawns, a phase that improves survival rates and supports sustainable propagation within the reservoir ecosystem. Fisheries officials emphasized that such scientifically timed interventions are crucial for long-term growth and resource management. Jaiswal highlighted the reliance of Vidarbha’s fisheries sector, particularly in Nagpur district, on Indian major carps like Rohu, Catla, and Mrigal, which account for 80-85% of total production. While these species remain vital for local consumption and affordability, overdependence has led to limitations in output and seasonal price volatility, affecting fishermen’s earnings. He noted that freshwater prawns, with market prices ranging between Rs400 and Rs800 per kilogram, offer a more stable and lucrative alternative. Assistant commissioner of fisheries, Shubham Komrewar, confirmed plans to expand similar prawn seed-stocking efforts to the Pench reservoir in the coming weeks. The project underscores efforts to diversify aquatic resources and mitigate the risks associated with over-reliance on a single species. By integrating high-value species into existing ecosystems, authorities aim to create a more resilient and profitable fisheries sector while ensuring environmental sustainability.#ramtek #pench_reservoir #ashish_jaiswal #khindsi_lake #shubham_komrewar
