In order to raise carps, usually composite culture is practiced. Composite culture is most popular in the country which allows simultaneous rearing of more than one type of compatible fish. It enables to get maximum fish production from a pond through utilization of available fish food organisms in all the ecological niches, supplemented by artificial feeding. Any perennial fresh water pond having a minimum area of 0.04 ha (10 Cents) can be used for the semi intensive farming of carp; however, the minimum water level should not fall below one meter. The carp variety includes Catla, Rohu, Mrigal, Common carp, Silver carp and Grass carp.

The unit cost for 1 ha area is about Rs. 2.5 lakh, which include Rs. 1.0 lakh for infrastructure development and Rs. 1.5 lakh for operational expenses. There will be a grant @ 40 % of unit cost for newly developed farm and @ 20 % of the operational cost for the already developed model farms.