PRESENT STATUS AND PROSPECTS OF INTEGRATED AQUACULTURE IN SOME SELECTED AREAS OF NILPHAMARI DISTRICT

Abstract

A yearlong study was conducted in some selected areas of Nilphamari district in order to observe the integrated aquaculture practices. For this purpose, a questionnaire was prepared and data were collected from 76 farmers. The present study indicated that the age of most farmers (76%) was between 41-60 years. Educational qualification of most of the farmers was secondary level (40%). Highest number of farm (79%) established within the last ten years and 49% of the farmers had their own plots. Formal training was received by 66% farmers. The average farm size was 0.34 hector. Three different types of integrated farming were found in the study area: rice-fish culture (46%), horticulturefish (33%) and poultry-fish culture (21%). Most of the farmers collected fish seed from local seed traders (48%) followed by hatchery (30%) and BFRI sub-station, Saidpur (22%). Water retention capacity of the soil was not very high and fish culture was possible only 7-8 months a year. Banana, papaya, lemon, brinjal, green leafy vegetables, chili etc. were found to culture in the study area as horticulture crops. In case of fishpoultry farming, chicken (broiler) and duck was mainly integrated with fish farming. It was found that most of the farmers (73%) managed the water quality parameters. Farmers used artificial feeds (63%), home-made feeds (3%) and both artificial and homemade feed (34%). Average production of fish over 5434 kg/ha was reported by 55% farmers. A number of constraints such as low water retention capacity of soil, lack of quality seeds, poor loan facility, lack of capital, marketing problems etc. were report by the farmers. It was found that there were several low lands and ponds which were suitable for integrated aquaculture. The socio-economic conditions of the farmers can be developed to a considerable level by improving the farming systems and management practices applying modern technology and utilizing the unused aquatic resources through an integrated approach.