Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc Technology

Why in News?

India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector is emerging as an important pillar of economic growth and livelihood generation, supporting nearly three crore fishers and fish farmers and providing employment across production, processing, marketing and exports. India is currently the world’s second-largest fish producer, contributing about 8% of global fish production, and is also the second-largest aquaculture producer, largest producer and exporter of shrimp, and second-largest producer in capture fisheries.

About RAS and Biofloc Technology

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), advanced technologies such as Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc technology are promoting intensive, resource-efficient and commercially viable fish farming. These systems allow fish to be cultivated in controlled environments and expand aquaculture to locations where conventional farming may not be feasible.

Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) uses mechanical and biological filtration, water treatment and continuous recirculation to maintain suitable water quality. It can recycle around 90–95% of water, thereby reducing water consumption and enabling fish farms to be established closer to urban markets and export centres.

Biofloc technology uses beneficial microorganisms to convert organic waste and excess nutrients in the culture system into microbial biomass. This helps improve water quality and can provide an additional nutritional source for fish, reducing water exchange and feed-related costs.

Together, RAS and Biofloc technologies support more sustainable and resource-efficient aquaculture by reducing water requirements, enabling controlled production and facilitating fish farming across diverse agro-climatic conditions.

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