Sustainability of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Sauvage, 1878) culture in Andhra Pradesh, India

In spite of vast diverse fish genetic resource of India, several exotic species have been introduced into India. Chinese carps which were introduced in India with an objective of increasing the yields in aquaculture has paved way for composite fish culture in India. Introduction of exotic species for fisheries and aquaculture was successful in some instances while in few situations, it failed leading to controversy over protection of native biodiversity. Pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) an exotic species has been introduced into India and is not only adopted for culture in states like West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh but also established as an alternative candidate species in freshwater aquaculture. Fish seed production segment in West Bengal played a pivotal role in the expansion of Pangasius farming in Andhra Pradesh. Pangasius monoculture was found to be profitable in comparison to polyculture with carps and other fishes. Use of formulated feeds is the major choice of Pangasius farmers. Pangasius catfish is less prone to diseases when compared to carps and is sensitive to abiotic stress. Comparatively, low market value of Pangasius than carps has increased avenues of fish consumption by low income consumers. Very fast development in culture of Pangasius has created many challenges such as dearth of quality seed, inconsistent management practices, prevalence of stress induced diseases, glut in the market and acute decline in the farm gate price leading to stabilization of farming area in Andhra Pradesh. Pangasius farming in Andhra Pradesh is sustaining due to strategic stocking and harvesting pattern adopted by the farmers conforming to market trend. Inappropriate practices in order to achieve higher yields and input-specific technical inefficiency are associated with the economic losses while minimizing the use of inputs can reduce risk factors in Pangasius farming. It is important to record that demand for carp culture in Andhra Pradesh is still greater in spite of less complications underlying in Pangasius farming and management.