Learn all about Rohu (Labeo rohita) fish farming in India — pond management, breeding, feeding, profit, and market potential.
Rohu, scientifically known as Labeo rohita, is one of the most popular and widely farmed freshwater fish species in India. Known for its delicious taste, rapid growth, and high commercial value, Rohu is a farmer’s favorite across North and Eastern India. Whether you visit a bustling fish market in Kolkata, Bihar, or Uttar Pradesh, Rohu often takes center stage — symbolizing both tradition and profit in Indian aquaculture.
In today’s growing aquaculture industry, Rohu farming stands out as a sustainable and high-return venture. With the rising demand for protein-rich food and growing export potential, cultivating Rohu is not just a livelihood — it’s a profitable agribusiness opportunity.
Scientific Classification of Rohu
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Rohu |
| Scientific Name | Labeo rohita |
| Family | Cyprinidae |
| Order | Cypriniformes |
| Habitat | Freshwater (rivers, ponds, lakes) |
| Native to | Indian subcontinent (Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus basins) |
| Type of Fish | Herbivorous, column feeder |
Importance of Rohu in Indian Aquaculture
Rohu plays a major role in the Indian aquaculture economy. It is one of the “Indian Major Carps,” along with Catla (Catla catla) and Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala). These three species dominate freshwater fish culture, contributing to over 70% of total inland fish production in India.
The reasons behind Rohu’s popularity include:
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Excellent taste and texture preferred by Indian consumers.
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Fast growth rate, reaching marketable size within a year.
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High market demand, both locally and regionally.
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Adaptability to various water bodies — ponds, rivers, tanks, and reservoirs.
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Compatibility with other fish species in polyculture systems.
Rohu’s economic and nutritional importance makes it an integral part of India’s food and livelihood security.
Physical Characteristics of Rohu
Rohu is easily recognizable by its unique body shape and color.
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It has a slender, elongated body with a slightly curved back.
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The color varies from bluish or greenish on the back to silvery on the sides and belly.
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The head is small, and the mouth is slightly inferior with thick lips, ideal for grazing on phytoplankton and decaying vegetation.
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Adult Rohu can grow up to 100 cm in length and weigh over 10–15 kg under natural or semi-intensive conditions.
These features not only make Rohu visually distinct but also biologically efficient for aquaculture.
Ideal Conditions for Rohu Fish Farming
To achieve high productivity in Rohu culture, the following environmental conditions are essential:
1. Water Quality
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Temperature: 25°C–32°C (optimal for growth)
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pH Level: 7.0–8.5
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Dissolved Oxygen: Minimum 5 mg/L
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Transparency: 30–40 cm
Regular monitoring of water parameters ensures healthy growth and prevents disease outbreaks.
2. Pond Requirements
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Pond Size: 0.1 to 1 hectare is ideal for commercial farming.
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Depth: 1.5 to 2 meters.
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Bottom Soil: Loamy or clayey soil holds water and supports natural feed production.
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Water Source: Continuous water supply from canals, bore wells, or rainwater harvesting.
Proper pond design and construction are crucial for efficient management and harvesting.
Breeding and Seed Production of Rohu
Rohu breeding generally occurs during the monsoon season (June to August) in natural conditions. However, with advancements in induced breeding technology, hatcheries can now produce seeds year-round.
1. Induced Breeding Technique
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Mature male and female fish are selected from broodstock ponds.
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They are injected with hormones such as Ovaprim or Pituitary Extract.
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After injection, fish are kept in breeding tanks with moderate water flow and aeration.
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Spawning occurs within 6–8 hours, and fertilized eggs hatch in about 12–15 hours.
2. Hatchery Management
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Hatchlings are transferred to nursery ponds after 3–4 days.
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Stocking density in nursery ponds: 3–4 million spawn per hectare.
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Proper aeration, feeding, and disease management are vital during this stage.
Rohu Fingerling Rearing
The rearing stage involves growing hatchlings (spawn) into fry and fingerlings suitable for stocking in grow-out ponds.
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Nursery Stage (Spawn to Fry): 15–20 days.
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Rearing Stage (Fry to Fingerling): 45–60 days.
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Feed: A mix of rice bran, groundnut cake, and fish meal (1:1 ratio).
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Growth Rate: Fingerlings reach 80–100 mm in 2 months.
High-quality fingerlings form the backbone of successful fish farming operations.
Polyculture System with Rohu
Rohu grows best in polyculture systems, where it is stocked with compatible species like Catla and Mrigal. This method optimizes pond utilization and maximizes production.
| Fish Species | Feeding Zone | Feeding Habit |
|---|---|---|
| Catla | Surface feeder | Zooplankton |
| Rohu | Column feeder | Phytoplankton, detritus |
| Mrigal | Bottom feeder | Detritus, organic matter |
Stocking Ratio: 3:4:3 (Catla:Rohu:Mrigal)
Stocking Density: 5000–8000 fingerlings per hectare.
Polyculture increases yield efficiency and maintains ecological balance in ponds.
Feeding Management for Rohu
Feeding is the most crucial part of Rohu farming, accounting for 50–60% of total production costs.
Natural Feed
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Includes plankton and organic detritus naturally available in ponds.
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Stimulated by fertilization using cow dung or poultry manure.
Supplementary Feed
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Common formula: Rice bran + Groundnut cake (1:1).
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Feed rate: 2–5% of body weight per day depending on fish size.
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Feeding should be done twice daily — morning and evening.
Feed conversion ratio (FCR) for Rohu ranges from 1.5:1 to 2:1 under optimal conditions.
Pond Management Practices
To maintain healthy fish and maximize yield, follow these pond management practices:
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Lime application – 200–300 kg/ha before stocking to maintain pH.
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Fertilization – Use cow dung (5000 kg/ha) and single superphosphate (40 kg/ha) to enhance plankton growth.
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Water exchange – Replace 20–30% of pond water monthly to maintain oxygen levels.
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Aeration – Use paddlewheel aerators or water agitators.
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Regular monitoring – Check fish health, oxygen levels, and feed response daily.
Growth and Harvesting of Rohu
Rohu grows fast under good management. The fish usually reach 800 g to 1.2 kg in 8–10 months.
Harvesting Methods
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Partial harvesting: Removing market-size fish while allowing smaller ones to grow.
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Total harvesting: Draining the pond completely and collecting all fish.
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Use drag nets or cast nets during early morning hours to reduce stress.
After harvest, fish are cleaned, graded, and packed for transportation to markets.
Production and Profit in Rohu Farming
| Parameter | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Pond Size | 1 hectare |
| Fingerling Stocking Density | 6000–8000 |
| Production | 3–5 tons/ha/year |
| Average Market Price | ₹150–₹200 per kg |
| Gross Income | ₹6,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 per year |
| Net Profit | ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 per hectare/year |
Profitability depends on feed cost, pond management, and market access. Farmers near urban centers or fish markets usually earn higher margins.
Common Diseases in Rohu and Their Control
| Disease | Symptoms | Preventive Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Fungal infections | Cotton-like patches on skin | Maintain clean water, use KMnO₄ bath |
| Bacterial infections | Red patches, ulcers | Apply lime and antibiotics (as per vet advice) |
| Parasitic infections | Scratching behavior, loss of appetite | Salt or formalin treatment |
| Gill rot | Difficulty breathing | Ensure good aeration and water exchange |
Regular pond cleaning, proper feeding, and water quality management minimize disease risks.
Marketing of Rohu
Rohu enjoys high market demand across India due to its taste, nutritional value, and cultural significance.
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Local Markets: Sold fresh or iced in retail outlets.
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Wholesale Markets: Transported in oxygenated containers.
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Export Potential: Increasing demand in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Middle East.
Farmers can also explore value addition by selling processed, frozen, or packaged Rohu fillets — increasing shelf life and market value.
Nutritional Value of Rohu Fish
Rohu is not only tasty but also a powerhouse of nutrients:
| Nutrient | Quantity (per 100g edible portion) |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17–20 g |
| Fat | 2–4 g |
| Calcium | 250 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Present |
| Calories | 97–120 kcal |
It’s an excellent source of lean protein and healthy fats — making it ideal for a balanced diet.
Advantages of Rohu Fish Farming
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High market demand and profitability.
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Suitable for polyculture, maximizing pond productivity.
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Fast growth rate, ready for market within a year.
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Low feed cost, herbivorous diet.
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Easy breeding techniques.
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Environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Rohu farming offers consistent income opportunities for small-scale as well as commercial fish farmers.
Challenges in Rohu Farming
Despite its advantages, some challenges exist:
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Poor seed quality from unregulated hatcheries.
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Water pollution and pond management issues.
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Seasonal market fluctuations.
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Lack of cold storage and transport facilities.
However, with modern aquaculture practices, these challenges can be effectively managed.
Government Support and Schemes
The Government of India promotes fish farming through various schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Financial assistance is available for:
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Pond construction and renovation.
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Seed and feed production units.
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Aeration and cold storage systems.
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Marketing infrastructure and value addition.
Farmers should contact local Fisheries Departments or NABARD offices for subsidy details.
Sustainability and Future Prospects
Rohu farming aligns perfectly with India’s sustainable agriculture goals.
With demand for fish protein rising and global aquaculture expanding, Rohu has immense export potential.
Integration of biofloc technology, recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS), and organic fish farming can further enhance yield and quality.
The future of Rohu farming in India is bright — blending traditional wisdom with modern innovation.
With proper pond management, quality seed, and efficient feeding, you can turn a simple water body into a profitable venture — contributing not only to your income but also to India’s food security.
Suggested Reading
1.Hilsa fish close-up with silver scales
2.Freshwater Fish Farming: A Complete Guide for Beginners and Professionals
3.WorldFish – Carp Aquaculture Research
4.Carp Species in Fish Farming: Types, Benefits, and Global Importance
5.National Fisheries Development Board – Government of India
