Biofloc Technology : Aquaculture
India’s aquaculture sector has increasingly adopted Biofloc Technology (BFT) and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS).
- Biofloc Technology is a closed tank-based fish farming approach which cleans the water in fish tanks by using beneficial bacteria.
- Heterotrophic bacteria (commonly Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, Acinetobacter, and Alcaligenes) are used to convert organic waste (such as uneaten feed and fish waste) into microbial biomass, which can then be consumed by the fish or shrimp.
- This process keeps the water clean without needing to change it often and at the same time reduces the risk of disease as well in the fish. Water stays cleaner, hence farmers do not need to depend on external use of chemicals or antibiotics.
- BFT also saves money on feed, as fish can get extra nutrients from the recycled waste, making it sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly for fish farming.
- The inbuilt aeration system to maintain adequate dissolved oxygen levels to promote microbial activity, along with mechanical filtration reduces chances of infection.
- It is more suitable for small farmers with limited land as it can be established in a small area and even set up for backyard farming.
