Integrated fish-based farming system for North Eastern Region.

Abstract

The integrated farming system is considered more resilient to climate change; hence, more emphasis has been given to the popularization of this eco-friendly farming system in recent times. Location-specific and resource-based integrated farming can be an important avenue for improving livelihood and income, especially for marginal and poor farmers. The beauty of this system is that if one source of income compromises, the farmer will always have a second source for sustainability and survival. Though several studies have been carried out, there is still ambiguity in many aspects like quality and quantity of organic manure to be applied, stocking density of livestock and fish under different integrations, productivity under the different agro-climate zone, water quality conditions, quality of the end products etc. Studies at ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna has demonstrated that integrating livestock production along with the fish can enhance fish production (3.0-4.5 tonnes/ha) significantly. However, haphazard and excessive use of manure can also be detrimental, and unfavourable environmental conditions like persistent cloudy days, very low water temperature, low dissolved oxygen etc. can cause significant economic loss to the farmers. In conclusion, it can be stated that integrated fish farming has the ability to increase overall production and income sustainably. The synergistic role played by different components can have the ability to withstand even climate-related issues and there-by can play a significant role even in decreasing greenhouse emissions.