The Government of Pakistan, assisted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations through the Technical Cooperation Programme, is engaged in project TCP/PAK/6760, Introduction of low-cost fish farming in rural areas, whose main objective is to transfer fish culture knowledge in rural areas of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) by establishing three demonstration sites of low-cost fish-farms. This is with a view to motivating the private sector to produce protein by utilizing simple aquaculture techniques on available land and water.
As part of the project operations, FAO assigned Mr K.G. Rajbanshi as consultant from 1 to 8 August 1987 with the following terms of reference:
The consultant, in close cooperation with the Assistant Director, Fisheries Department, will carry out the following duties:
select three sites of waste land which have a perennial source of water and appear suitable for fish farming from the technical point of view;
prepare a list of all necessary equipment and supplies needed for the establishment of three fish ponds. All supplies and equipment will be procured from the local market;
assist in establishing the fish ponds as far as possible and give clear instructions for their completion;
provide on-the-job training to counterparts and recipient farmers;
in his second visit, attend harvesting operations and evaluate marketing and possible follow-up action and extension scheme;
prepare mission reports, a work plan and a draft Terminal Report.
During his assignment, the consultant had fruitful discussions with authorities concerned with various aspects of the activities. Moreover, in order to familiarize himself with field conditions and also to identify the sites suitable for the demonstration units, a number of field trips were undertaken in the three Marakizs.
This report summarizes his observations on the present situation and problems of fish culture. At the request of the National Project Director, the consultant has also prepared guidelines for the implementation of the project (attached as Appendix 1).
