Kaski, June 28:

Farming of Mangur (catfish), an omnivorous fish species, is gaining popularity in Kaski.

The fish was introduced in Bharat Pokhari VDC of the district by Shukla Gandaki Fish Farm last year. Now, the farm has started rearing hatchlings and distributing them to other farmers in the district.

Earlier, farmers wishing to grow catfish used to go to India to buy hatchlings. So far, six farmers have started growing catfish commercially, manager of the farm Upendra Baniya said. Farmers are turning to catfish farming as the venture needs little investment, the fish grows faster, is nutritious and can generate better income from small ponds. As the fish is an omnivorous species, it feeds both on plants and animals.

Shukla Gandaki farm is farming the fish in over a 3100 sq-m area. While only 500-600 other fishes can be farmed per ropani of waterbody, up to 5000-6000 catfish can be farmed in the same area. This species of fish can be harvested in four months and it fetches a better price in the market in comparison to other fish species.

Catfish meat costs Rs 150 per kg while other fish can be bought at Rs 130 per kg. Ram Bahadur Jalari, a farmer, said there was a high demand for catfish.

Technician at Begnas fishery research centre Ram Bahadur Baniya said catfish grow best at temperatures between 20 and 25 degree Celsius. He added that the catfish grow thrice as fast as the other fish species.