No. 1 (1922) ADMINISTRATION REPORT, 1920-21 25 



The difficulties experienced at the Sunkesula farm increase, partly 

 because of the restricted area of the ponds available now that our 

 operations have increased beyond all original expectations, and 

 partly because of the high cost entailed by the pumping operations 

 necessary to keep the ponds properly supplied with fresh-water 

 during the hot weather. It has become necessary to find a site where 

 operations can be carried on both more extensively and more econo- 

 mically. Unfortunately the only possible site is one at Mahanandi, 

 in proximity to the temple, and although the temple authorities 

 originally agreed to the construction of the farm, they have lately 

 demurred until the purpose of the farm is clearly defined and certain 

 assurances given that under no circumstances will fish be killed 

 at the farm. The matter is under negotiation. 



As in previous years the market at Kurnool was supplied with 

 fish reared in the Edurur swamp: 595 lb. of Murrel and 774 lb. 

 of Carp and other fish were thus distributed. 



The stock of Gourami at Sunkesula coutinued to do well, and 

 bred twice during the year. Etroplus also bred prolifically, and the 

 fry were extensively distributed to various tanks. 



36. At the lp pur farm, the few Etroplus introduced during the 

 previous year multiplied exceedingly, a result due to the provision of 

 special facilities for them to nest. Their fry have been distributed 

 to the irrigation tanks under our control in the Nellore district. A 

 large quantity of Haplochilus was also supplied from this farm for 

 antimalarial stocking purposes, to the officer in charge of the Station 

 Hospital at Secunderabad. 



None of the Gourami bred at Ippur, and it appears certain that 

 some conditions are adverse. I have suggested that perhaps the 

 ponds are too large, as this fish breeds freely in quite small ponds at 

 Perambur and Sunkesula. This modification will be tried next 

 season. 



37. The Perambur farm, where both Gourami and Etroplus breed 

 freely, has now become too small for our operations. Another site 

 was sought and has been found in the extensive borrow pits at the 

 Government brick-fields at Chetpat, which hold permanent water 

 and are otherwise eminently suitable for our requirements. The 

 Chief Engineer to Government has kindly placed several of these 

 ponds at our disposal, as the site is shortly to be abandoned owing to 

 the exhaustion of the available clay. The Corporation of Madras 

 appear to have pressed for the filling up of tbese ponds on sanitary 

 grounds, a procedure that would entail a prohibitive expense. It is 

 therefore in the interests of all concerned that the ponds be managed 

 by ' Fisheries ', as we can, at insignificant expense, and with con- 

 siderable advantage to fishery schemes on hand, utilize this large 



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