Sri Vijaya Puram | April 8
A sudden spell of intense and unseasonal rainfall in North and Middle Andaman has led to widespread fish mortality, prompting the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Nimbudera to conduct a diagnostic investigation across key aquaculture sites in the region.
The inspection team, led by Subam Debroy, Subject Matter Specialist (Aquaculture) and Dr. V. Damodaran, Senior Scientist and Head, visited affected ponds in the Rangat and Mayabunder blocks, where they identified abrupt environmental changes- including plummeting water temperatures, low dissolved oxygen levels, and unstable pH- as the primary causes of the mortality.
During the field visit, Debroy conducted on-site water quality assessments and engaged with local fish farmers to determine the extent of damage. Immediate remedial measures were advised, including the use of aeration pumps, disinfection protocols, and pond fortification to prevent runoffs from adjacent fields.
Farmers were also instructed to apply potassium permanganate (200–300g per 0.1 ha) and salt solutions (1kg in 50 liters) as bacterial control agents. Agricultural lime was recommended to stabilize pH levels and enhance pond conditions.
The team emphasized the importance of regular water quality monitoring, especially under erratic climatic conditions, and encouraged the adoption of climate-resilient aquaculture practices to mitigate future risks.
The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of local aquaculture to extreme weather events, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies in line with changing environmental patterns.
