Accessing Economic Competitiveness of Rohu (Labeo Rohita) in Biofloc Based Aquaculture System in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Tanveer Shahzad; Syed Basit Rasheed; Zaigham Hasan

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i8.2390

Authors

Tanveer Shahzad Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Syed Basit Rasheed Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Zaigham Hasan Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i8.2390

Keywords:

Biofloc Technology, Rohu, Aquaculture economics, Sustainable aquaculture, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

Biofloc technology has been emerged as a sustainable aquaculture alternative to conventional pond-based fish farming due to its limited or zero water exchange, zero discharge of effluents into running water bodies and effective recycling of nutrients. This study focuses on economic and performance-based comparison of biofloc technology and earthen conventional pond culture system for Labeo rohita in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Data was collected from 30 fish farmers across different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa using structured questionnaire, interviews and on-site assessments. Results reveled thar Biofloc technology has improved growth performance, lowering per kilogram fish production and hence enhancing net profitability to PKR 240,333 per year compared to PKR 132,733 of conventional earthen ponds. Biofloc systems further demonstrated reduced exchange of water, reduced environmental discharges and enhanced diseases control due to the presence of beneficial microbial fauna. However, limited adoption persists due to lack of technical knowledge, high initial installation costs and operational challenges.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Debnath, D., Pal, A. K., Sahu, N. P., Yengkokpam, S., Baruah, K., Choudhury, D., Venkateshwarlu. Digestive Enzymes and Metabolic Profile of Labeo rohita Fingerlings Fed Diets with Different Crude Protein Levels. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B. 2005, 146, 107-114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpb.2006.09.008

Kamilya, D., Debbarma, M., Pal, P., Kheti, B., Sarkar, S., Singh, S. T. Biofloc Technology Application in Indoor Culture of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) Fingerlings: The Effect on Inorganic Nitrogen Control, Growth and Immunity. Chemosphere. 2017, 182, 8-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.05.021

Jamal, Y., Anjum, M. Z., Muhammad, Z., Amin, S., Irfan, M., Khan, M. Q. Comparative Study of Growth, Hematology and Proximate Composition of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Biofloc Technology and Conventional Pond Culture System. Pakistan. J. Zoology. 2025, 57 (1), 267-274. https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjz/20220414070405

Chughtai, M. I., Mahmood, K. Semi-intensive Carp Culture in Saline Water-logged Area: A Multi Location Study in Shorkot (District Jhang), Pakistan. Pakistan. J. Zool. 2012, 44 (4), 1065-1072.

Hassan, A., Farooq, A., Ishaq, M., Sadiq, G. Assessment of Livelihood Assets and Profitability of Pond Fish Farmers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan. IJB. 2021, 18 (2), 222-232. https://doi.org/10.12692/ijb/18.2.222-232

Manan, H., Jalilah, M., Fauzan, F., Ikhwanuddin, M., Amin-Safwan, A., Abdullah, N. S., Nur-Syahirah, M., Kasan, N. A, Recent Development in Aquaculture- A Review. Ann. Anim. Sci. 2023, 23 (3), 663-680.

https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2023-0044

Avnimelech, Y., 2009. Biofloc Technology — A Practical Guide Book. The World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States. 182 pp

Emerenciano, M., Gaxiola, G., Cuzon, G. Biofloc Technology (BFT): A Review for Aquaculture Application and Animal Food Industry. Biomass now Cultivation and Utilization. 2013, 301-328. DOI: 10.5772/3437 https://doi.org/10.5772/53902

Hargreaves, J. A. Photosynthetic Suspended-growth System in Aquaculture. Aquac Eng. 2006, 34, 344-363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaeng.2005.08.009

Kumar, R. V., Ramesh, K. S., Patil, P., Kumar, B. T. N., Manissery, J. K. Dietary Protein Requirement of Stunted Fingerlings of Rohu, Labeo rohita, During Growth Out Stage. Indian. J. Fish. 2011, 58 (4), 49-53.

De Schryver, P., Crab, R., Defoirdt, N., Boon, N., Verstraete, W. The Basics of Bio-flocs Technology: The added Value for Aquaculture. Aquaculture. 2008, 277, 125–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2008.02.019

Bossier, P., Ekasari, J. Biofloc Technology Application in Aquaculture to Support Sustainable Development Goals. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2017, 10 (5), 1012-1016. https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.12836

Kuhn, D. D., Boardman, G. D., Lawrence, A. L., Marsh, L., Flick, G. J. Microbial Floc Meal as a Replacement Ingredient for Fish Meal and Soybean Protein in Shrimp Feed. Aquaculture. 2009, 296 (1-2), 51–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2009.07.025