At Pipley, 3.2 km (2 miles) east of Hetaura, an ideal site for a fish farm was located in 1964. A survey and layout for a fish pond were made (see Fig.2); the soil was excellent for bund building. The climate in the area appears suitable for spawning and rearing of carp. The distribution of fish to consumption centres may not be a problem as the place is along the Kathmandu-Raxaul main highway and is also served by a ropeway. Feeds and fertilizers needed for the normal operations of fish farms are also available and cheap.
The expert prepared preliminary plans and estimates for a commercial farm to be established in two stages and construction was started. The work completed during the first stage consisted of segregation ponds (see Fig.2) 1 and 2 (S/1 and S/2), breeding ponds 1 to 3 (B/1, B/2 and B/3), fingerling ponds 1 and 2 (F/1 and F/2), production ponds 1 to 3 (P/1, P/2 and P/3), and a water channel from its source to profile 30. The approach road to the site was also finished, and the buildings planned in the housing area were constructed as far as possible during the period.
Fish cultivation was started in the portion completed during the first stage. This was designed to provide the necessary fish seedlings for the finished area during the first and second stages, to afford some local experience in management, and to provide initial income for future operations. About 46 ha of water area were planned to be brought under cultivation during the first stage and an equal area during the second stage, totalling 92 ha for the two periods. The expected production of fish from the farms was estimated under two types of management practices:
| 1. | Natural yield without supplemental feeding but with composted grass added | 500 kg/ha/year (500 lb/acre/year) |
| 2. | With composted grass and supplemental feeding | 1 200 kg/ha/year(1200 lb/acre/year) |
The budget for this project was estimated as follows:
| Capital expenditure | NRS | |
Cost of land and construction of bunds, monks, buildings, implements, etc. | 656 867 | |
| Operational expenses | ||
| Per year | 68 920 | |
| Manager's salary | 6 600 | |
| Interest on loan at 5 percent per annum | 32 843 | |
| Amortization (for 20-year period) per annum | 20 539 | |
| TOTAL | 128 902 | |
| Annual income from sale of fish | ||
| (40 000 kg [87 600 lb] at NRs 5 ½ per kg) | 219 000 | |
| Annual profit | 90 098 |
The expert was asked to look for a suitable site for the establishment of a commercial farm of at least 40 ha. After surveying a number of probable sites, one in Hardi, which is 40 km (25 miles) from Kathmandu along the main road to Rapti, was selected (see Fig.3). It has a good water supply and the soil is suitable for bund building and the topography facilitates pond construction.
Detailed plans and estimates for the project were prepared. In 1968, the main water channel for the farm was re-designed as the water supply intended for it had been diverted to another river. The farm will now cover 124 ha.
Assistance for the construction of both the Pipley and Bhandar Hardi fish farms is being provided by the World Food Programme (WFP) in the form of food for the labourers; the provision consists of about 412 tons of wheat flour and butter oil valued at U.S.$68 600.
