Fish produced by the Natural Water Fisheries Promotion and Conservation Centre in Hetauda are exclusively consumed locally due to their high demand and limited production. Renowned for its superior taste, the fish have attracted a significant number of buyers, prompting the centre to introduce a token system to manage sales.
Fresh fish is sold at a rate of up to Rs. 100 per kilogram cheaper than market rates, with the centre distributing 100 tokens daily, according to Senior Fisheries Development Officer Saroj Kumar Yadav.
“We’ve started selling the fish we produce here. Given the overwhelming demand, we had to implement a token system. In this fiscal year’s first phase, fish sales will continue for a week,” said Yadav, highlighting the high demand for species like Rahu (carp family) and Naini (Mrigal carp).
The centre sells Tilapia at Rs. 200 per kilogram, Silver Bighead at Rs. 250, Grass Carp at Rs. 300, and species like Rahu, Bhakur, and Common Carp at Rs. 350 per kilogram. In the first phase, the centre aims to harvest seven tonnes of fish, with another harvest planned for the Nepali month of Asar, said Fisheries Development Officer Balaram Acharya.
According to Acharya, of late the centre is facing challenges such as drying water sources, excessive rainfall during the monsoon, droughts, and fish poaching using hooks.
In the past two fiscal years, six individuals were caught for poaching and handed over to the police. The centre operates 43 ponds of various sizes, with seven dedicated to edible fish production. In the last fiscal year, the centre sold 7,079 kilograms of fish, generating Rs. 516,316 in revenue.