Page 282 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

water Pond bottom Stand pipe
inlet pipe for water Drainage

Irrigation Filter bag Screen levelling canal
canal

Water surface

Pond banks

Figure 12.7: Vertical view of a fish pond with basic features
Step 5: Construction of the pond spillway
A pond spillway system is used to regulate water levels in the ponds especially
during rainy season. A screened pipe outlet can be positioned at the freeboard level
to let out excess water from the pond. A freeboard is the distance between water
level and height of the dyke/bank.

Managerial operations in fish farming
The basic management practices in fish farming include stocking fish, feeding of fish,
management of water quality in fish pond, management of fish health, harvesting
and transporting of fish as well as marketing of fish. These management practices
are elaborated in the following sub-sections.

Stocking of fish
Stocking the pond is the process of introducing the fish into the pond for the first
time. Farmers require seed of uniform size, free from diseases and highly vigorous.
Fingerling quality can be assessed by observing the movement, colour, shape, size
and responses to feed. Seeds should be bought from a reliable source. The following
aspects have to be adhered to in stocking.

(a) Transportation time of seed from hatchery to the farm
Since the road infrastructure especially in rural areas is not always of a high standard,
transport might cause a lot of stress for juvenile fish. To avoid unnecessary stress or
even mortality, traveling time should be minimised. Arrangements with the hatchery
should be made a few days prior to the pick up or delivery. Farmers are advised to
purchase seed from nearby suppliers, but only if the quality is sufficient. Prepare and
transport seed during cool hours of the day (preferably 18:00 to 10:00 hours). Drive
carefully so that you do not stress the fish.

Student’
Student’s Book Form Twos Book Form Three
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