Portable FRP Carp hatchery technology and improved culture practices: Influence on pond productivity, Fish Yield, and Livelihood Enhancement in Gadchiroli District, Maharashtra: A case study with Pond size comparison

A three-phase extension-demonstration program (2019-2025) was implemented in the Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra to strengthen decentralized fish seed production, improve pond culture practices, and promote hygienic fish marketing. The intervention formed eight Fisheries Interest Groups (FIGs) across eight blocks (250 members), established five portable FRP carp hatcheries (four operational for Indian Major Carps), demonstrated scientific grow-out culture in 24 farm ponds, and deployed five mobile fish vending units. Grow-out demonstrations followed improved management, emphasizing pond preparation, stocking of quality fingerlings at ~10,000 ha?¹, feed and feeding management, and routine advisory visits. District-level productivity increased consistently across blocks, from a baseline of 1,741-3,433 kg ha?¹ (before intervention) to 4,865-6,193 kg ha?¹ by 2024-25, supported by one-way ANOVA with Duncan’s test indicating significant year-wise gains within blocks. Seed self-reliance improved through hatchery operations: Indian Major Carp spawn production increased from 80 lakhs (2022-23) to 445 lakhs (2024-25), alongside large-scale common carp spawn production during winter (e.g., 150 lakhs at Chamorshi). A pond-size economics comparison (0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 acres) indicated rising profitability and efficiency with scale, with net profits of ?1.49 lakhs, ?2.22 lakhs, and ?4.58 lakhs, and benefit-cost ratios (BCR) of 1.29, 1.36, and 1.45, respectively, under comparable carp polyculture assumptions. Overall, the study demonstrates that locally available quality seeds, structured farmer collectivization, and standardized best management practices can rapidly close productivity gaps in tribal-dominated rainfed pond systems, while market-facing innovations (portable vending) improve hygiene and value capture.