Catfish farming in India

Catfish farming is becoming popular in Vietnam, China, India, USA, Indonesia, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, and Bangladesh to meet both domestic and export demand. The catfish diversity in India comprises 197 species; however, catfish aquaculture production is largely dominated by two exotic species, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus and Clarias gariepinus. Surprisingly, both are low-cost exotic species but are greatly adopted by the farming community, probably due to their faster growth rates and farmer-friendly husbandry. The rate of commercial catfish farming in India is increasing rapidly due to huge demand in the Indian market. Villagers are catching catfish from the shallow, dirty pond with a net in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on March 21, 2021. The fish are being sold in the local market.