A newly reconstructed carp hatchery has begun operations in Kurgarabujag village of Neftchala district.

Carp farms in Azerbaijan typically produce half a metric ton per hectare, weighing on an average one kilogram per carp. The current practice is to stock approximately 25,000 to 50,000 three-day old carp per hectare. Despite reported survival rates of only 20 to 30 percent by some farmers, their harvest tells a different story – survival rate as low as 2.0-2.5 percent. This practice is highly variable, inefficient and stands in sharp contrast to carp culture elsewhere. A more advanced practice is to stock 3 to 16 day old carp into smaller fingerling ponds where they can be intensely fed and managed. In a month’s time, they can be transferred to the production ponds with a predictable survival rate of greater than 90 percent.

Gasim Badalov, the 50-year old owner of the reconstructed hatchery, had an old style hatchery on his farm. USAID supported his hatchery by sharing the cost of equipment and providing the technical design and recommendations for reconstruction of the facility. The new practice and expanded facilities will enable Mr. Badalov to increase his carp hatchery production from 1.5 million of 3-day old carp to 7.2 million of 15-day old carp.

The new carp hatchery will contribute to the transformation of carp production in Azerbaijan. The carp farmers adopting the new practice will have early stage mortality rates reduced by more than 90 percent. Moreover, they will be able to plan, manage and forecast their production. With better planning and forecasting their production in terms of seasonal yields, they will be able to plan their marketing and sales/supply contracts.

The refurbished hatchery in Neftchala will serve as a demonstration site for technology transfer. Mr. Badalov has agreed to host USAID-led training and workshops at his farm to benefit other fish farmers.