WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2017 29 perimeter trench, total rice harvest was similar, around 3800 kg/ ha (1900 kg). In both systems, fish survival was 85 percent. In the system with peripheral channels, the total harvest was 189 kg/ ha (32 kg). From the plot with supplementary feeding, 20 kg fish with an average weight of 275 ± 2 g and length of 28 ± 2 cm were harvested. From the plot without supplementary feeding, 12 kg of fish with an average weight of 163 ± 2 g and length of 17 ± 3 cm were harvested. In the system with no peripheral channels, the total fish harvest was 104 kg/ha (52 kg). Fish with an average weight of 163 ± 2 g and length of 15 ± 3 cm were harvested at the end of the trial. Additionally, another 5 kg of indigenous species were also collected from the rice-fish culture plots (Fig. 9). Fish harvested from rice fields were marketed at the local market alive (at US$ 2.79/kg) or fresh. An economic analysis of rice-fish culture was prepared (Table 1). Among the two systems the system with peripheral channels had a better result than the one without peripheral channels because the first one had more surface area compare to second one and fish movement were more congenial in the system with peripheral channels. The channels served as a refuge when fish were not foraging among rice plants. It also served as capture channels where fish collect when water was drained. Farmers recognize the double benefit of harvesting rice and fish from the same plot. During the field day, other farmers witnessed the outcome and expressed interest to adapt this technology in their field. This practice is expected to benefit villagers by improving their food security and contributing to minimize the supply-demand gap of fish in the state. To add profitability to the system and increase farmer income in addition to demonstration of good practices of rice-fish farmers should be encouraged. The production of organic rice and fish in rice-fish culture system should also be encouraged. A scheme of certification and eco-labelling for organic fish and rice and development of market demand will be crucial for in adopting ecological rice-fish culture practices. With rich natural and human resources, aided by appropriate facilitation, rice-fish culture can contribute to rural development in the region. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 30) FIGURE 6. Measuring fish weight and length before release into a rice-fish plot. Note nylon mesh border fence to prevent fish losses during heavy rains. FIGURE 7. Fish were sampled monthly, length and weight measured, and health status monitored. FIGURE 8. Collection of fish from a peripheral trench in a rice-fish culture plot. FIGURE 9. Additional local fish varieties harvested from the rice-fish culture plot.
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