Question

Which of the following practice is desirable in the culture of Indian major carps in grow-out ponds?

• A. Fertilization and feeding
• B. Liming and feeding
• C. Liming, fertilization and feeding
• D. Liming and fertilization

Hint:

Carp Grow-out Management Triad: 1. Liming (pH/water buffer) + 2. Fertilization (natural plankton bloom) + 3. Supplementary Feeding (optimal growth).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Standard operating management package in semi-intensive carp grow-out ponds: integrating water-soil conditioning (liming), natural food production (fertilization), and supplementary artificial feeding.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Best management practices (BMPs) for semi-intensive grow-out culture of Indian Major Carps:
- A complete, highly productive management protocol requires the integrated synergy of all three core practices:
1. Liming (Agricultural Lime $\text{CaCO}_3$, $200 - 500\text{ kg/ha}$): Neutralizes soil/water acidity, optimizes alkalinity/hardness ($> 100\text{ ppm}$), stabilizes pH ($7.5 - 8.5$), and acts as a disinfectant.
2. Fertilization (Organic Manure + Inorganic NPK): Stimulates and sustains rich blooms of natural live planktonic food (phytoplankton and zooplankton).
3. Supplementary Feeding (Floating/Sinking Pellets at 2--3% BW): Supplies balanced concentrated protein and energy to sustain fast somatic growth beyond natural carrying capacity.
- Therefore, Liming, fertilization and feeding is the desirable integrated practice.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the desirable practice is Liming, fertilization and feeding, corresponding to option (C).