WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEPTEMBER 2014 49 Training in Pond Polyculture Trainers from RIDS and REST provided a two-day workshop on Carp-SIS-Prawn farming (Fig. 4). The training was very useful because all farmers had no previous experience with aquaculture. During the training, farmers were supplied a Carp-SIS-Prawn Polyculture manual and a record book to record the numbers and weights of fish harvested, consumed and sold, including mortality losses. The amounts of feed and fertilizer applied to ponds were also recorded. Records were regularly monitored by project staff. Farmers visited Chapia, in Rupendehi, to observe commercial carp farming. Chapia is one of the biggest fish-producing areas in Rupendehi. Field Visits and Dissemination A joint field visit was organized to disseminate project activities in December 2010. Representatives of several government organizations, local NGOs and international NGOs (DADO, Manahari Development Institute, Forum for Rural Welfare and Agricultural Reform for Development, Helen Keller International, International Development Enterprises, International Rice Research Institute, WorldFish Center, BAU, IAAS and farmers) participated in a field visit and had full-day interactions with the farmers (Fig. 5). Farmers raised different issues, concerns and problems they faced with pond management, such as algal scum and fish kills. In addition, Bangladeshi scientists and staff of the USAID-funded Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA), Bangladesh, also visited project sites. Visit to Bangladesh Eight female farmers and eight project staff visited Bangladesh for one week in October 2010. Six of the farmers were leaders of female fish farmers’ groups. The visit was organized, managed and hosted by the Faculty of Fisheries, BAU and the WorldFish Center, Bangladesh. Participants visited the fisheries facilities at BAU, including the field station and several fish farms and hatcheries in Mymensingh. The Nepalese team learned about different fish farming systems. They were impressed to see the integration of fisheries and vegetable growing on the dykes of ponds (Fig. 6). The Bangladesh visit was a turning point for the Nepalese farmers and project staff, with a firm belief of “we can also do.” They shared their experience with their fellow farmers. Achievements Small fish were previously considered to be undesirable in ponds. Its role was in food security only. Now the status of SIS has been changed from low-value fish to nutrient-rich fish. Hopefully people will be attracted to SIS and eat more, which will ultimately improve the nutrition of household members. Extension officers and farmers are well aware of the nutrient value of SIS. Its potential role to address malnutrition problems is highlighted at the local and national level. Carp-SIS-Prawn Polyculture can play a vital role in reducing fishing pressure on natural waters. Growing fish in ponds and partial harvesting systems have changed their practices from fishing to farming. Compared to the first year of the project, the contribution of wild fish to household fish consumption decreased by 36 percent by the third year of the project (Rai 2012). Implementation of such projects in heavily fished areas can be of great help in fisheries conservation and management. Three projects have used the carp and SIS polyculture technology. Those projects are implementing carp and small fish polyculture as a major farming practice in five districts. Currently, 1200 households have the technology. Conclusion Unlike Bangladeshis, Nepalese do not eat fish routinely, except in Tharu, Danuwar, Bote communities. Fish production (57,520 t) and consumption (2 kg/capita/y) in Nepal are low (Directorate of Fisheries Development 2013). Indian and Chinese carp are the main fish grown and eaten in Nepal but carp have less vitamins and minerals than SIS, particularly mara and dedhuwa. Polyculture of carp, small fish and prawn in ponds can contribute to the improvement of family nutrition and income in FIGURE 5. Representatives of government offices, non-government organizations and international non-government organizations observing fish netting at Majhui, Chitwan. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 50) FIGURE 6. The Nepalese team, together with their Bangladeshi hosts admiring cucumber and bottle gourd grown on pond dykes, Gauripur, Mymensingh.
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