Wanaparthy Sees Unchecked Catfish Farming Despite Ban
WANAPARTHY: Catfish farming continues unchecked in Wanaparthy district despite a ban on the species due to health concerns. More than 30 catfish ponds are operating in Pebbair mandal alone, while cultivation is also expanding in border areas of Nagarkurnool and Gadwal districts.
Officials from the Fisheries Department had previously destroyed some catfish ponds, but farmers allege that enforcement has since weakened, allowing the activity to continue without restraint.
Chicken waste used as fish feed
Catfish farmers are reportedly using chicken waste collected from poultry shops in Wanaparthy, Kothakota, Atmakur and Pebbair municipalities as feed.
Contractors collecting nearly 15 metric tonnes of chicken waste every day from Wanaparthy town are said to be selling it to catfish farmers. Farmers prefer the waste because it helps fish gain weight quickly compared with conventional feed.
Unlike most fish species, catfish readily consume chicken waste. However, farmers living near the ponds have complained of foul odours caused by the dumping of poultry waste around fish farms.
Fish supplied to Andhra Pradesh and Bengaluru
Catfish raised in Wanaparthy district are being supplied to Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, several districts in Rayalaseema and Bengaluru.
While regular fish varieties sell for around ₹150 per kg, catfish fetch more than ₹100 per kg in wholesale markets. Farmers are increasingly turning to catfish cultivation because it requires lower investment and is easier to manage.
Sources said several fish traders from Andhra Pradesh operate dozens of ponds in Wanaparthy district and earn substantial profits from the business. Residents have urged authorities to intervene and stop the illegal cultivation of catfish.
