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Survey of Natural Breeding Grounds of Magur in Two Districts of

Jharkhand: Ecological Perspectives

Subhendu Datta

Central Institute of Fisheries education, Kolkata Centre, 32-GN Block, Sector-V, Salt Lake

city, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal

Background of the study Clarias batrachus, an air-breathing siluroid known as magur, commands a good

market value in several parts of India. Generally deep ponds are required for carp culture; shallow and small ponds, ditches etc. can be used for culture of magur and other air-breathing catfishes, which could thrive in various adverse ecological conditions by virtue of their air-breathing capacity. In composite fish culture, it is a good substitute for common carp and mrigal as magur fetches better price than other two fishes. Magur has also been identified as an ideal species in paddy-cum-fish culture technique. In spite of these advantages, Clarias culture has not been developed in desired level in India mainly due to lack of stocking material i.e. fingerlings. Though different methods of seed production under controlled condition had been tried earlier, they didnt yield the required results and seed production of magur remained a problem till recently (Rao, 2002). Magur is omnivorous and bottom feeder and breeds in nature during monsoon months in shallow water usually after heavy shower when the adjoining areas of ponds and other depressions get inundated. This fish migrates to those areas and breed there (Samad et al., 2005). Still now, farmers have to depend on natural sources for collection of magur fry. Fry and fingerlings of the catfish are, however, difficult to obtain from natural waters for stocking the ponds. Many others have studied the breeding biology of the fish successfully and bred them artificially by using HCG and pituitary gland (Shaoo et al., 2008; Rahmatulla et al., 1983). Best breeding performance was obtained at 14-23h latency in combination with 3000-4000 IU HCG. However, this technique has the drawback of sacrificing male fish. Magur has very slow growth rate; want of feed in the appropriate size and quality is the main cause of high mortality and low growth at the early life stages of fry and fingerlings. The fry require very shallow water level (2-3 ft), because at deeper water they could not swine to surface for gulping air and hence died. C. batrachus requires obligatory natural live feeds during the early stage of life history and thus, for fry rearing. The artificial feed is not recognized or not ingested. Rearing takes too long if feed particle size and densities are incorrect (Huisman, 1979). The growth and survival of the fish is also dependent on stocking density. Reduction in survival rate of magur was evidences at a stocking density of 6 fry/L of water and stocking density of 4 fish/L was recommended (Barua, 1990). 100 fry/m2 was best for rearing of C batraschus (Das et al., 1992). Feed which has 32.24% of protein level was found to be better than feed which contains 27.75% protein in respect of survivability of fish (Samad et al., 2005). Outcome of ICAR AICRP on air-breathing fish: The Indian council of agricultural research launched an all India coordinated research project on air-breathing fishes in May 1971 with a view to develope a viable technology for culturing air-breathing fishes in swamp, ponds, tanks, cages and in pens. Different aspects of air-breathing fish culture viz., their biology, seed production, induced breading, fry and fingerling rearing, development of suitable feeds in nursery and grow out phase; diseases and their control were studied at different centres of the project. Experiments were conducted on induced breeding of Clarias at different centres trying pituitary doses varying from 10 to 360 mg/kg with a certain measure of success. Seed production trials were also made through environmental manipulation. The brood stock of magur either with of without administering pituitary extract were released in specially prepared pond provided with breading pits (15 cm dia and 30 cm depth). On several occasions a few fry and fingerling could be collected from these ponds. One of the major successes achieved in seed production was in Jalpaiguri district in 1982 in a pond of the fish

Tour Report

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producers group. About 100 breeding pits were made on the lower portion of the inner side of the embankment and aquatic weeds were provided in them. About 100 sets (1:1) magur brood fish were released in the pond, maintaining 15 to 20 cm water above the pits. Mustard cake and rice bran were given as feed and successful spawning was observed. Over 1.0 lakh fingerlings could be obtained from the pond. Breeding of magur was successfully carried out in paddy plots also. When the injected brood fish were released in these plots, the response was reported to be 100% and spawning occurred within one day. Clarias breeding by Environmental manipulation in Thiland: Specially designed ponds were constructed to simulate conditions congenial for spawning of Clarias. These ponds sizes varied from 0.1 to 1 ha or more with 60 to 70 cm depth. At the bottom of the pond several pits of 15 to 20 cm wide and 20 to 25 cm deep were dug out which were used as nests by the fish. Along the margin of the pond, a continuous trench of 50 cm depth and about a meter width was dug out. A distance of about 1 meter was maintained between the pits. The ponds were then manured with cow dung @ 10,000 kg/ha. Brood fish are released into the trench of the pond during December/January and fed with ground trash fish and rice bran (9;1) @ 5% of their body weight. During this period, the pond bottom was kept exposed and grass or paddy was grown there. During June/July, when the fish was ready to spawn, the water in the trench was pumped out and freshwater was added to a level of about 20 to 25 cm above the pond bottom. The brood fish moved about in the pond and spawn in the spawning pits. The fry from these pits were scooped out after 10 days. The water in the pond was pumped out again when the brood fish moved back to the trench. Feeding the fish for a further period of 15 to 20 days was continued and the process of dewatering and addition of fresh water was repeated in order to obtain fresh batch of spawn. The fry were reared in nursery ponds or cement cisterns with ground trash fish @ 3kg/100,000 fry/day for two to three weeks. They attained a size of about 3 to 4 cm during this time and were ready for stocking.

While the all India co-ordinated research project has made considerable headway and high productions were obtained, seed production remained a big snag in the faster dissemination of the technology. Though magur fingerlings were produced through simulating natural conditions, the technology remained to be perfected. Through the seed is available in nature (paddy fields, creeks swamps etc.) the quantum available is not commensurate with the demand, especially when large scale culture operation are to be taken up all over the country. Moreover, air-breathing cat-fishes are generally stocked in high densities, at least 5 to 10 time more than the carp.

With this background a team of three Scientists from CIFE visited two Districts of Jharkhand i.e. Gumla and Khunti to survey the natural breeding grounds of Magur. I was one of them. Other two are Dr. B.K. Mahapatra and Dr. Rupam Sharma. My report is presented below from ecological perspective. Background of the survey area

Jharkhand which came into being on 15 November 2000 as the 28th State of the Union is the homeland of the tribals for which they had been dreaming for centuries. According to legend, Raja Jai Singh Deo of Orissa had declared himself the ruler of Jharkhand in the 13th century. It largely comprises forest tracks of Chhotanagpur plateau and Santhal Pargana and has distinct cultural traditions. Formerly it was in Southern Bihar, thickly wooded and consists of a succession of hills. In post-Independence era, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha started a regular agitation#* which impelled the government to establish the Jharkhand Area Autonomous Council in 1995 and finally a full-fledged State. "Jharkhand" is consists of two words Jhar & Khand. Khand means land and Jhar means Jungles and bushes. During the tour we have actually faced the Land of "Jungles" (forests) and "Jharis" (bushes).

We had visited the sites during 12 to 18th March, 2009. The beauty of nature during the spring season in the villages of Jharkhand was simply mind blowing. It appears the whole

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of the nature was ready to celebrate the season in rolling hills and rocky plateaus with all of its beauties by decorating Sal, Palash, Mahua trees with new leaves and colourful scented flowers. The cooing of cuckoo, wrabling and chirping different birds makes the whole journey in the forest special and memorable. It was very difficult to put shutter in my camera whenever I was coming out from the guest house or hotel. It is now very difficult for me to choose few photos for this report out of 500 photos I snapped during the tour. The hospitality we received from the people in Birsa Agricultural Unciversity and Sate Fisheries Deptt, Jharkhand was unforgettable. ChhotaNagpur Plateau, which is the source of the Koel, Damodar, Brahmani, Kharkai, and Subarnarekha rivers, whose upper watersheds lie within Jharkhand.

Fig-1. Ranchi-Gumla-Khunti districts of Jharkhand

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #*History: The subjugation and colonization of Jharkhand region by the British East India Company resulted in spontaneous resistance from the local people. Almost one hundred years before Indias First War of Independence (1857), adivasis of Jharkhand were already beginning what would become a series of repeated revolts against the British colonial rule. The period of revolts of the Adivasis to protect their Jharkhand land took place from 1771 to 1900 AD. The first ever revolt against the landlords and the British government was led by Tilka Manjhi, a valiant Santhal leader in Santal tribal belt in 1771. He wanted to liberate his people from the clutches of the unscrupulous landlords and restore the lands of their ancestors. The British government sent its troops and crushed the uprisings of Tilka Manjhi. Soon after in 1779, the Bhumij tribes rose in arms against the British rule in Manbhum, now in West Bengal. This was followed by the Chero tribes unrest in Palamau. They revolted against the British Rule in 1800 AD. Hardly seven years later in 1807, the Oraons in Barway murdered their big landlord of Srinagar west of Gumla. Soon the uprisings spread around Gumla . The tribal uprisings spread eastward to neighbouring Tamar areas of the Munda tribes. They too rose in revolt in 1811 and 1813. The Hos in Singhbhum were growing restless and came out in open revolt in 1820 and fought against the landlords and the British troops for two years. This is called the Larka Kol Risings 1820-1821. Then came the great Kol Risings of 1832. This was the first biggest tribal revolt that greatly upset the British administration in Jharkhand. It was caused by an attempt of the Zamindars to oust the tribal peasants from their hereditary possessions. The Santhal insurrection broke out in 1855 under the leadership of two brothers Sidhu and Kanhu . They fought bitterly against the British troops but finally they too were crashed down. Then Birsa Munda revolt broke out in 1895 and lasted till 1900. The revolt though mainly concentrated in the Munda belt of Khunti , Tamar, Sarwada and Bandgaon, pulled its supporters from Oraon belt of Lohardaga, Sisai and even Barway. It was the longest and the greatest tribal revolt in Jharkhand. It was also the last tribal revolt in Jharkhand. All of these uprisings were quelled by the British through massive deployment of troops across the region.

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We visited three blocks of Gumla district i.e. Sisai, Gumla, Palkot and one block of Khunti district i.e. Khunti (Fig 1). Jharkhand belongs to high rainfall and high humidity area of India. Here span of rainy season is from June to October. The state receives rainfall 1200-1600 mm/annum at both the monsoon. Rainy season receives 80% of the total annual rainfall. Climate of Ranchi-Khunti and Palkot block is "Keen-bracing type". We felt the heat of high temperature at day times but the night was very comfortable and cool like any hill station. Here monsoon comes in the 2nd week of June and average annual temperature does not go beyond 730F in Ranchi. Gumla and Sisai block is "Cool-rainy type". Gumla district is towards Chhatisgarh. Rainfall in this area is higher than Ranchi, therefore, during summer it is cooler than Ranchi-Khunti region. This region receives on an average 80" rainfall which is highest in Jharkhand (Tiwari, 2002). During winter, temperature goes below freezing point at least for 20 days, which damages the Rabi crops. In fields, following Rabi crops were observed; rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, Arhar, ragi etc. Nagar of Sisai Block:

It is 9 KM from Sisai block headquarter and 38 KM from Gumla district headquarter in north-eastern side. There is a fort of Nagbansi kings. It is said that Chhotanagpur name of this region is given on the name of the Nagwanshi King as he was selected by the people (Small son- Chhota, Nag - Vansh). Nagfeni is situated in the middle of Gumla & Sisai block, where there is a big rock in the shape of snake "Nag". The Koyel river in this area is called Nagfeni Koyel (Fig-2), which we have crossed on the way to Nagar, Sisai.

Fig-2. River Nagfeni-Koyel on the way from Gumla to Sisai Prominent features: Undulating topography, rice fields on both sides of small canal in upland and low land areas (Fig 8). Stepped structure of fields, terrace type farming is prominent. (but it is not terrace farming). This is to reduce soil erosion, and optimum utilization of differential soil fertility in up and lowland areas. Rocks and gravels are present rice fields (Fig 11). Rearing ponds are interconnected with each other and with rice field (Fig 3,4,5 & 6). In ponds clay and muddy layers are present (Fig. 4 & 5). Ipomoea and Eichhornia are abundant around the periphery of ponds (Fig. 3, 4, 5 and 6) which serves as ideal habitat for magur. Natural depressions and depressions in and around rocky deposits are shallow water storing structure, which serve an ideal hiding habitat for magur broods and larvae in the open paddy fields during breeding season (Fig 9 and 12a & b). Prominat vegetations observed in

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Sisai (Fig 9 and 14) are Tamarind, Acacia, Mango, Shishu, Mahua, Karanj, Jaman, Banyan-tree, Peepul-tree, Rain-tree, Bamboo, Sal, Kapok, teak, Jackfruit, Palash etc. Depth of the pond varies from 3-6 ft. Aeration of ponds are optimum (Fig.3b). It was measured that dissolved oxygen value was 5.5 6 ppm at noon. Other water parameters are also found to be normal (Table 1). Production of magur from three ponds was 3-4 Q/season/acre without any stocking or special feeding practices for magur. Ponds have IMC, for which normal feeding practice is followed.

Soil from adjoining paddy fields is sandy-loamy in texture, slightly acidic in nature (pH 6.8), have highest calcium carbonate (1.5%) and organic matter content (1.88%) in comparison to other areas (Table 2).

Fig-3a. Community Pond-1 in Nagar of Sisai

Fig-3b. Pond-1 in Nagar of Sisai. Aeration is optimum in the pond.

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Fig 4. Community Pond-2 in Nagar of Sisai

Fig. 5. Pond-3 in Nagar of Sisai.

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Fig 6. Pond-1 and 2 in Nagar are interconnected. Cemented pipeline is visible below the dyke

Fig 7. Nalah coming out of 3rd pond to adjoining paddy field

Fig 8. Canal and tributaries of Koyel have gone through the paddy field of Nagar

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Fig 9. Natural depressions in the adjoining paddy field of Nagar. Vegetations are also seen.

Fig 10. Paddy fields out the side of 3rd pond in Nagar appears fertile

Fig 11. Paddy fields have profuse rocky permanent deposits in Nagar

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Fig 12a & b. Rocky deposits in Nagar in many cases have depressions for water storage an ideal hiding habitat for magur broods and larvae

Fig 13a & b. Water samples were analysed on the spot. Soil and water samples were also collected for further analysis in lab

Bhurso Bundh of Sisai

It is in the north-west side of Gumla and 47 KM from Gumla main town. The bundh was constructed by Govt. to control damage due to flood. The production of magur is 20-25 q/year. During rainy season capture of 1.0 q/day is also observed. Depth of water in the bundh was 3-5 ft during our visit. The reason for high capture of magur fish from this area as opined by local people was; use of low level of chemical fertilizers, and almost no used of pesticide in paddy fields. Due to this survivality of larvae is high than other districts. Mainly organic matter is applied in the fields. The waterbed of Bhurso bundh was filled with lotus flowers.

Fig 14. Forest vegetation on the way to Bhurso, Sesai. (a). Sal and (b) Mahua tree

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Prominent features: Undulating topography, stepped structure of fields in up and lower side of the bundh. The bundh collects water from the nearby adjoining hillocks, which are situated at higher slope than the waterbed (Fig 15 & 16). However, the other side of the bundh where vast field of paddy was seen is at lower slope (Fig 17). During rainy season magur fishes was seen all over the field situated in up and lower slopes.

Fig 15. Bhurso Bundh (Sisai). Photo was taken by standing on the bundh and facing the hills from which water is coming to this bundh.

Fig 16. Camera is facing the Bhurso bundh

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Fig 17. Adjoining paddy field opposite to Bhurso Bundh (Sisai). The photo was taken by standing on the bundh turning 1800 from the water body.

Fig 17a&b. Rock inside river bed serves an ideal habitat for magur in Sisai Numerous rocky deposits inside the river bed were also observed (Fig 17a&b). These are utilised as permanent habitat structures for magur brood and youngs in hot summer months. The water inside these rocks is cool and it is not easier to catch the fish from the innerside of these structures. The Sheet of soil is thin and light in colour here in the upland roadside area of Bhurso (Fig 18). Red and Laterite soil is dominant in upland areas. It is a red residual soil dominant in humid tropical and subtropical regions that is leached of soluble minerals, aluminum hydroxides, and silica but still contains concentrations of iron oxides and iron hydroxides. Because of iron hydroxide during dry periods the open up soils become very hard. The uneven and undulating topography and high rainfall is responsible for the formation of red and laterite soil. Due to high rainfall in these areas, the upper layer of soil which mainly composed of silicate clays is leached and washed out (sheet erosion). Soil erosion is more in deforested and uncovered areas. The land surfaces being uneven are subject to sheet and gully erosion, causing loss of soil and plant nutrients. There is practically no problem of soil salinity or flooding. But Soil acidity problem is there (Table 2). The hard inner layer which is composed of iron and aluminum hydroxide is exposed. The denuded eroded layer of soil is oxidized further in contact with air and gives the dark red or brown colour of ferric oxide. Due to variation in intensity of oxidation, the colour of red soil is not always red. During the tour, different shades of red soil were also observed (Fig. 19-21) from near black (dark brown) to red, chocolaty, yellowish in colour (in the order of intensity of oxidation).

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Fig 18. Thin and light coloured soil sheet in the upland roadside area of Bhurso

Fig 19. Dark brown coloured red soil on the way coming from Nagar Sisai

Fig 20. Red coloured laterite soil on the way Bhurso (Sisai)

Fig 21. Yellowish coloured lateritic soil on the way to Bhurso Sisai

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Gumla fish farm: For centuries, the place Gumla was a meeting center for people from the hinterland

who flocked here to exchange goods using the barter system, and the place was called Gaw-Mela. Gumla is believed to derive its name from Gaw-Mela, which consists of two words of Hindi (also used in several local dialects), namely, Gaw (cows and the cattle) and Mela, that is, a fair. The place became known as Gaw-mela, and then the word transformed itself into Gumla. Gumla district was formed on 18th May 1983 by carving out of certain areas of Ranchi district of the-then Bihar state. Gumla is considered to be the birth place of Hindu God Hanuman. 18 kilometers away from the city a village called "Aanjan". The name has been derived from the name of goddess ANJANI, mother of MAHAVEER HANUMAN. Anjani gufa is at 4 km from the village upon a hill, where mother Anjani used to live. Prominent features: The farm is bestowed with gifts of nature. It is beautifully surrounded by hillocks (Fig 22) and has sufficient clayey deposits (Fig 23, 24, 26). The undulating topography, stepped structure of fields in up and lowland areas are common characteristic features. The farm utilizes water coming out from upland and hillock areas. Depth of ponds is 3-5 ft. Around 5 quintal brooders of magur was there in the farm pond at time of our visit.

Fig 22.A View of Gumla fish farm

Fig 23a&b. Water entry route in Don areas of Gumla fish farm

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From the genesis point of view, above the granite and gneiss layer, deep red soil and regur (black soil which is locally called Kali mitti o) is mostly dominant in these areas. Both of theses soil are observed in Gumla fish harm. The farm has distinct red and black coloured soil in upland and lowland areas within 100m distance (Fig. 24 and 25a&b). The regur soil is comparable with black cotton soil of western India. This soil is composed of Argillaceous type of clay, due to which it has higher water holding capacity. In presence of water it is quickly moistened but in sunlight it is readily dried up and gets hard. We have observed that in hot summer it gets into pieces. However, it is easier to plough this soil even in premonsoon. Other than clay, iron oxide and alumina, this soil has many other useful contents like calcium and magnesium carbonate, potash, phosphate, nitrogen and humus. The black colour of regur is due to the dominant presence of iron rich biotite and hornblende type of primary minerals. This type of soil generally has high level of lime and potash, but nitrogen, phosphate and humus are low. In local language, here upland and lowland areas are called "Tand" and "Don" respectively. The Tand area which is spread around the boundaries of villages which is called by many local names like Dihari, Bhita, Baharsi where as inside the village when it is attached with the house it is called by the name Bari. It appears that Bari is more fertile than other tand areas as it continually receives household vegetable/organic excreta. The layer of regur varies from 1-50 ft. It was observed that in upland or Tand areas the soil layer is thin where it is sandy in nature (Fig 18). It is light coloured and less fertile. However, in lowland or Don areas and riverside the soil layer is sufficiently thick and deep in colour (Fig 24 and 26). Due to their origin from basalt it contains silica, magnesia, potash, kaoline, iron oxide etc. Above this black soil layer is formed which was gradually developed the form of clay. Fertility of this soil is very good. The Don is also called by many local names like garha, bahiyar, ghoghra, jah, chouttara, kanari etc. The upland soil is developed from its base rock, where as the lowland soil is the collection of moving layers of soil particles (along with runoff water) from the upland areas (Fig. 23, 24 and 26). Due to which in the same area the fertility of Tand and Don is different. Because of which, fields are prepared steps in red soil for cultivation of different crops depending upon the fertility of particular piece of land.

The surrounding paddy fields of the farm were utilized by magur during breeding season. The 5 quintal stock of magur in the farm pond was maintained just by catching the fish in around the farm. The farm soil has highest percent of clay (34.5%) in comparison to other sites (Table 2) and soil has sandy clay loam type texture. Others parameters of soil and water are presented in Table 1 & 2.

Fig 24. Soil in Don areas in Gumla farm is grey to black in colour and heavy textured. Also

seen in the picture are upland light textures soil

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Fig 25a&b. Pond dykes in Gumla farm

Fig 26. Marshy swamps in the Gumla farm

Fig 27a. Male and female brooders were Fig. 27b. Other side of Gumla farm used by visitors collected from Gumla farm pond for gonadal analysis. Pampapur of Palkot Block Palkot is situated on N.H.-23 (Gumla-Simdega National Highway) at about 25 KM south from Gumla district headquarter. There is a description of Pampapur located on

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RISHIMUKH PARVAT in RAMAYANA. Villagers believe that the ancient PAMPAPUR is todays PALKOT. This fact is proven by a number of places of Ramayana era in its neighborhood such as Anjan, where Lord HANUMAN born, Ramrekha Dham that is the place where Lord RAMA and SITA spent some times in their exile, UMRA where the hill is similar to KISKINDHA etc. PAMPASAR, a pond was spread in about 1000 Sq.ft, which is considered as a place of mother Pumpabhawani. It is a holy pond situated on the upper part of PAMPAPUR Mountain. Mount Risyamook, was, of sorts, the capital of the Chhotanagpur plateau until the 20th century. The Nagvanshi rajas ruled from Palkot. Palkot is known for containing the headquarter of the social organization AHEAD, the Association for Human, Ecological and Agricultural Development, founded by the social activist Brajesh Mishra. The vast mountains and hills of Palkot have kept hidden a number of mysteries in its caves, brooklets, ponds etc. The caves of Malmalpur and Shitalpur are extra ordinary, where one cannot enter without a blanket even in hot summer month. Villagers believe that the cave of "Malaypur", where SUGRIVA had taken shelter in fear of his brother VALI, is todays Malmalpur. Prominent features: Hillocks and udualting topography are common. The first pond we surveyed is situated in the side of NH-23 near Palkot Thana (Fig. 28). The pond has outlet, which has gone below the highway and releases water to the vast fields which are in stepped structured, red and sandy (Fig. 29a&b). Water and soil sample was collected from the area of pond-2 (Fig. 30 & 31). It also has vast area of paddy field at lower slopes (Fig. 32). The runoff water during rainy season comes from the hillocks and accumulates in the ponds and paddy fields. These fields (Fig 29 and 32) serve as ideal magur breeding ground in rainy season. The alkalinity of the pond water is much lower (70 ppm) than Nagar and gumla fish farm (Table 1). Soil is acidic (pH 6.1) and sandy loam in texture. The soil has highest sand percent (79.22%) amongst all the sites visited (Table-2).

Fig 28. Community Pond-1 Pampapur (Palkot)

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Fig 29a&b. The site opposite to the pond-1 of Pampaur. The photo was taken by standing

on the highway NH-23.

Fig 30. Pond-2 at Pampapur, Palkot

Fig 31. View of pond-2 and its surroundings at Pampapur from up above the hills

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Fig. 32. The site opposite to pond-2 of Pampaura. The photo was taken by standing on the

dyke of the pond. Rocky deposits are seen in around the fields of Pampapura (Fig 33) and other areas (Fig. 11) during the tour. The reason for this described below:

Soil content of Jharkhand state is mainly consist of soil formed from disintegration of rocks and stones. The formation of Jharkhand region was based on the oldest rocks of the Archean era (2.5-3.8 billions years ago), which was composed of granite, gneiss, igneous rocks etc. In the beginning of Archean era, rocks were deposited continuously in the primary layers. Weathering, disintegration and metamorphosis of these rocks were also occurred simultaneously. During this period, movements and oscillation of earth crust due to formation of mountains had also affected soil formation. Tremendous pressure had disintegrated the huge rocks, as a result of which relatively smaller mountains, rock fragments and undulating mountainous plateau were formed (Fig 35). Meanwhile eruption of lava was taken place because of tectonic movements due to the formation of mountains. As a result lava was deposited in thick layers in most of the area of granite-gneiss plane. With the passage of time, smaller mountains were also weathered and continued to be weathered during the whole ancient era in most of the region of Jharkhand. Due to continuous weathering and loss of outer layers, what we have seen in the present tour were mostly the very resistant end products, which include iron and aluminum oxides in the upper layer and remains of granite rocks of Archean era (which is known as Chotanagpur-granite) and gneiss in the lower layers.

Fig 33. Rocky deposits on the nearby paddy fields of pond-2 at Pampapura

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Chikondhara dam at Palkot: Chikondhara dam (Fig 34) 1 Km away from Palkot thana. The soil is red and lateritic

type. Paddy fields and Ipomoea plants are there all over the area nearer to the dam. Rain water gets accumulated in the dam side from the upland nearby rocky plateau (Fig 35). The depth water in the dam is around 3-5 ft.

Fig 34. Chikondhara dam at Palkot and nearby paddy fields.

Fig 35. Rocky plateau opposite to Chikondhara dam of Palkot Kunjali Bundh in Palkot It is situated at 28 KM south from the Gumla town. The bundh collects water from the vast area of hillocks and upper lands (Fig 36). Even though the height of the dam is very good (Fig 35) still it is not sufficient to prevent the water to cross the dam height during peak of the rainy season. The vast low line areas opposite to the dam have paddy fields (Fig 37). This bundh and other ponds and dams what we have seen during the tour operates on the principle of wet bundh. These are not dried up during summer months and have sufficient water level during dry months of the year to harbour brood fishes. Here magur brood fishes matured in the bundh water or inside the rocky ensemble of riverbed (Fig. 12, 17) and field (Fig 38). Riverine conditions are simulated during the monsoon season owing to the accumulation of rain water from the vast catchments areas. Steady flow of water through the bundh is there. When the monsoon begins, bringing torrential rain, the water level in the bundh rapidly increases, providing fluviatile conditions which stimulate natural spawning.

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Fig 35. Kunjali Bundh in Palkot

Fig 36. Kunjali bundh at Palkot

Fig. 37. View opposite to Kunjali bundh of Palkot. Photo was taken by standing on the dam

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Fig 38. Rocky ensemble in the field ideal place for magur in the low line areas of Kunjali

bundh The brooders migrate to the nearby areas e.g. paddy fields or grassy land of forests. If the bundh is inundated they cross the bundh height and goes to the lowline areas as well. There they breed and spawn profusely. As reported by the local people, here magur brooders and larvae are seen abundantly all over the surrounding areas of pond, bundh and dam in the spawning seasons. One of the reasons for successful natural spawning of magur in these areas may be sandy or gravelly structure of pond/bundh bed. Due to the coarse and granular texture of soil particles, the sexual sensitization of brooders during the chasing (the spawning/breeding run/migration) might be good. The spawning migration of brooders occurs in the nearby shallow fields in search of mate and rough surfaces. The muddy and clayey soil is sticky where as red and lateritic soil particles are sandy, coarse and non-sticky in nature. Therefore, these particles move along with the flow of water. Rubbing of abdomen on the rough bed and in these particles enhances the sexual sensation of magur brooders and thereby they spawn profusely. The spawning activity of the active breeders acts as a stimulus to the dormant ones to follow the suit and results mass spawning. Khunti

The district of Khunti was carved out of Ranchi district on the 12th September 2007. It is historically known as the centre of activity of the Birsa movement. Khunti is the head quarter of the district. It is a famous place for Classical Indian Hockey player Jaipal Singh & Great Freedom fighter Birsa Munda. The place draws its name from Maharani KUNTI of the Mahabharat fame. It is widely believed that she along with her five famous sons (Pandavas) was here during their year of anonymity. Prominent features: Myself and Dr. B.K. Mahapatra visited Birhu village of Khunti which is around 60 KM from Ranchi in southern direction. The topography in and around the two ponds (Fig. 40 and 41) what we have observed is slightly different from other sites (of Gumla district). Though undulating topography and stepped structure of fields are observed but there were almost no hillocks especially in the pond site. The area is almost plain. It appears that both the ponds are constructed artificially inside the paddy fields. Birhu dam at River Tajna (Tributary of SwarnRekha river) is 1.5 Km away from these two ponds, where Ipomoea and rocky structure are there (Fig. 44a & b). Here hardness of water was found to be lowest (54 ppm) than other sites (Table 1). Soil is acidic (pH 6.2), clay loam type texture due to high content (30%) of silt (Table 2). Acidic soil pH and soil organic matter

In Siasi and Pampur, the soil is collected from slightly upper areas above the pond level away from the main passage of water (from Tand to Don areas during rainy season).

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Due to which clay% is less and it is sandy loamy type (Table 2). Where as in Gumla firm and Birhu (Khunti) the soil was collected from the Don areas in the passages of water from Tand to Don areas during rainy season. Thats may be the reason for higher clay content in these two areas. Soil is clay loam in Birhu and sandy clay loam type in Gumla farm.

Fig 39. On the way to Birhu village, Khunti in the Tajna river bed

Fig. 40. Pond-1 in Khunti Here Magur fish survive in rocky river bed (Fig. 39, 43 and 44a) or natural depressions in upland areas either in paddy fields or in ponds (Fig 40 and 41). Water inside rocky river bed are cooler and provides a suitable habitat during hot summer months. Rocky structures also save them from predation and poaching. During breeding season they migrate in the adjoining shallower areas of river bed (Fig 44a &b) and rice fields (Fig 40 and 41) with the runoff water and spawns there.

People of Khunti opined that earlier magur fish was available in plenty in the Khnuti. Now-a-days due to the increased use of fertilizers and pesticides in paddy fields, the abundance of the fish is decreased.

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Fig. 41. Pond-2 in Khunti

Fig. 43. Suitable site for magur in the path of canal in Birhu, Khunti

Fig. 44a & b. The dam side of River Tajna, Birhu, Khunti which may serves as breeding

ground of magur in rainy season Whenever the structural requirements are fulfilled for successful magur breeding in this type of undulating topography, spawning of magur is observed. That is source of water at top of the slope and bottom of the slope, which may be provided either by rain water flow from hillocks or bundhs or dam or simply the village ponds. Second, rough surface for migratory

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run which is provided by bushy herbs like Eichhornia or Ipomoea at the shallower side of the pond or riverbed, paddy field, marshy swamps or grassy land of forest and sandy surface of red and lateritic soil. Natural depressions and rocky structures in between the migratory run are also very useful for survival of brood and larva. Heavy organic deposits in the form of leaves are found in the forested areas (Fig 45). They are either decomposed in humid climate or during summer months dried into ashes and mixed with soils. Therefore, soils in the forested areas are high in organic matter and acidic in nature. Ponds and rivers situated near to the forest also have some impacts of this organic deposits (Fig 45). According to the Director, Deptt. of Fisheries, Jharkhand, the washings of these ashes with the runoff water may add some minerals into nearby water bodies and fields, which might have some positive impact in the mass scale breeding success of magur in the State. But this is still a perception not yet established scientifically.

Fig. 45. Organic deposits in the forest, which is situated very close to riverside in Birhu,

Khunti

Fig. 46. Forest is near the shallower region of river in Khunti where magur used to

congregate in breeding season

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References

Barua G. (1990). Gonadal development and fry rearing of Clarius batrachus. Ph. D. Thesis. Bangladesh Agriculture University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, pp:310.

Samad MA, Islam, MA and Khaleque, MA. (2005). Effect of stocking density on the growth and survival rate of magur (Clarius batrachus) fry in laboratory and nursery ponds. Pak J Biol Sci, 8(2):338-344.

Das M, Islam MA and Mughl GU. (1992) Induced breeding and fry rearing of catfish, C. batrachus (Linn.). Bangladesh J Zool, 20:87-95.

Shaoo SK, Giri SS, Chandra S and Mohapatra BC. (2008). Evaluation of breeding performance of Asian catfish Clarius batrachus at different dose of HCG and latency period combinations. Turkish J Fish Aqut Sci, 8:249-251.

Rahmatulla SM, Islam MA, Hosain MM, Ali MM and Islam AKM. (1983). Experiments on the induced breeding of Clarius batrachus (Linn.) by pituitary hormone injection. Bangladesh J Aquacult, 2-5.

Rao, (1998). Emerging technologies on the seed production of Clarius batrachus (Magur). In Current and Emerging Trends in Aquaculture. P. C. Thomas (Ed.). Daya Publishing House, New Delhi. 422pp.

Tiwari, RK. (2002). Jharkhand ka Bhugole. Rajesh Publication. New Delhi.407pp.

Water and soil analysis report

Table 1. Water parameters

Parameters Nagar (Sesai) Gumla fish farm Pampura

(Palkot)

Birhu (Khunti)

pH 7.70 7.45 7.10 7.31

Carbonate alkalinity (mg/L)

8 0 0 0

Bicarbonate alkalinity (mg/L)

170 128 70 84

Total alkalinity (mg/L)

178 128 70 84

Total Hardness (mg/L CaCO3)

158 134 70 54

Salinity (ppt) < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5

Residual hardness (mg/L)

4 2 2 2

Ca (mg/L) 40 22 15 10

Mg (mg/L) 14 19 8 7

Fe (mg/L) 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.4

Nitrate (mg/L) 50-75 50-75 50-75 50-75

Ammonium (mg/L)

0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Phosphate (mg/L)

0.5 0.5 0.75 1.0

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L)

5.5-6 (at noon) - - -

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Table 2. Soil parameters

Parameters Nagar (Sesai block)

Gumla fish farm (Gumla block)

Pampura (Palkot block)

Birhu (Khunti)

pH 6.8 6.7 6.1 6.2

Texture (a). per cent clay, silt & sand (b). Soil type

16.48, 19,

64.52

Sandy loam

34.48, 21.3,

44.22

Sandy clay loam

10.48, 10.3,

79.22

Sandy loam

28.48, 30, 41.52 Clay loam

Organic carbon (%) Organic matter (%)

1.09 1.88

0.93 1.61

1.01 1.74

0.97 1.68

Free CaCO3 (%) 1.5 1.25 1.0 1.0

Acknowledgements

1. Director, CIFE, Versova, Mumbai 2. Director, Department of Fisheries, Jharkhand 3. Dy. Director of Fisheries, Ranchi, Department of Fisheries, Jharkhand 4. Head, Department of Aquaculture, Birsa Agriculture Universisity, Jharkhand