Fisheries Jaffarabad
Introduction
The fishing potential in the district is limited. Fishing is possible only in Khirtar and Saim Shahk canal and its branches. According to the Fisheries Department the fishing is not easy as the current of the water is very fast. There is some potential for fishing through the development of fish ponds as some have already been developed.
Fish Species composition
There are four fish species found in the canal and fish ponds in Jaffarbad. According to the Fisheries Department, they belong to the group of fish found in hot area. They are "Rohu" (Labeo Rohita), "Morkhi" (Carrihina Mirgla), and Thella" (Catla). "Mali" (Wallago Attu) is found in canal area two. Their weight ranges from one to two kilo. They are found throughout the year.
Fish catch time series
No statistics are available on the quantity of fish caught every year. Fishing is prohibited from June 1 to August 31 each year because of the breeding season.
Fishing techniques
The techniques adopted are traditional. The fish is caught with hooks and nets in more stagnant water and mostly with hooks in the canal area. There are two kinds of netting, technically termed "Cost Nets" and "Gill Nets". They both are permitted during the catch season under license issued to the fishers by the Fisheries Departments in Dera Murad Jamali. Netting is not possible in the canal area because of the fast flowing water.
Marketing/Processing
The fish caught is either sold in the bazaar or otherwise exported to areas in Balochistan and Sindh.
Department of Fisheries Development
The Fisheries Department is headed by the Assistant Director at Dera Murad Jamali. Under him are fishery officers, watchmen and sub and assistant inspectors. There are only a few watchmen in Jaffarabad.
GO/NGO/Private Enterprise, etc. involvement in Fisheries Development
|
Coverage Fishing Services |
Local Govt. |
Prov. Govt. |
Fed. Govt. |
NGO |
Internat. Donor |
Private Entr. |
||
|
Fishing |
- |
x |
- |
- |
- |
xx |
||
|
Processing |
- |
xx |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||
|
Marketing |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
xx |
||
|
Fishing gear maintenance |
- |
x |
- |
- |
- |
x |
||
|
Legend: |
- x xx |
no involvement minor involvement substantial involvement |
||||||
Conclusion and major Development Issues
The area has little natural fishing potential because of the absence of rivers or large natural ponds. Fishing in the canals is difficult due to the strong current. Potential for fishing can be developed through the expansion of the number of fish ponds, as there is plenty of water. Existing ponds are a profitable business. However, small and medium landowners lack the resources to construct fish ponds. Two hectares are sufficient to generate a reasonable income.