Madikeri:

Pangasius is a genus of medium-large to very large shark catfishes native to freshwater in south and southeast Asia. They breed in all the important east-flowing rivers, from the Ganga to the Cauvery, mainly in their lower reaches.
They are currently being bred captively in cages in KRS reservoir near Mysuru. With a view to introducing the taste to the people of the district, an experimental sale was held on Friday. About 430 kgs were sold by noon. Buyers were seen standing a long queues from 10 am.

The sale was launched by zilla panchayat president Chodumada Shareen Subbaiah. She said that there was a great demand for fish in the district and therefore fish production should get all encouragement.

TMC agriculture and industry standing committee chairpeson T P Sandesh said that it was for the first time that Pangasius was being sold in the district. He suggested that the fish be made available on the various days of the week at different places where the weekly fair was held.

Mysuru region fisheries deputy director Ramakrishna informed that captive aquaculture was being undertaken in the KRS reservoir under the National Mission for Protein Supplements (NMPS). Pangasius and other species were being bred in two rows of 24 cages which have been installed in the reservoir.

Fisheries department joint director Gangadhar V Madikeri said that arrangements would be made to sell Pangasius fish on different days of the week wherever the weekly fair was held.

ZP vice president Allaranda Beena Bollamma, members Biddanda Usha Devamma, taluk panchayat president Kandanda Pratija Achappa, members Sabu Thimmaiah, Bollachattira Suresh, fisheries assistant director Darshan and others were present.

source: http://www.mangalorean.com / Mangalorean.com / Home> Broadcast> Madikeri / by Special Correspondent / Sunday – December 21st, 2014