WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2017 33 (CONTINUED ON PAGE 34) in this district. Among others, from 2011 to 2013 the Nepali Agriculture and Nutrition Extension Project (ANEP) worked with a wide consortium of fishery sector partners. Currently there are more than 70 fish production ponds in Shiktahan VDC of Rupandehi District. Almost all people living near this village derive some portion of their livelihood directly or indirectly from the fishery sector. Outcomes of WorldFish-ANEP Project Interventions The WorldFish-ANEP project focused on Shiktahan village, in the Rupandehi District of southern Nepal. Local farming households were identified through the Center for Environment and Agricultural Policy, Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED), ANEP and other organizations. Thirty farmers responded and committed to participate in the study. Project participants were mostly from the Janjati (50 percent), Madhesi (20 percent), and Dalit (17 percent) ethnic groups. About 43 percent of project participants had ponds of 0.50-0.75 kattha and only 13 percent had ponds of >1 kattha (1 kattha = 339 m2). Dike cropping of vegetables The WorldFish Center initiated the integration modality of growing vegetables on fish pond dikes (Figs. 1-3). This innovation significantly improves biological and economic efficiency of smallholder farms. Ponds provide water for domestic use, for livestock, and for high-value vegetable irrigation. Nutrient-rich pond water sustains vegetables on the dikes and vegetable wastes are fed to fish (Shrestha 2014). The close proximity of ponds to smallholder farmer’s homes is a vital aspect of a fully integrated system and contributes to the overall efficiency of farm operations. Subsistence farmers have experienced remarkable progress from integrating vegetable production on pond dikes. Interventions to enhance homestead food production and subsequent consumption of fruits, vegetables and livestock have been successful (Bloomer 2012). Food security and diets have improved and cash incomes have increased (WorldFish 2015). The practice of irrigating vegetable production on pond dikes and adjacent land is becoming more common in many parts of south and southeast Asia. IAA often results in more efficient and ecologically sound practices. The average density of carp stocked was 1850/kattha, weighing about 10 kg, and the density at harvest was 1293/kattha, for a survival of 70 percent. Harvests were impressive, averaging 764 kg/kattha. Total income from fish and dike vegetables was also impressive — US$ 1780 from the sale of carp and US$ 739 from vegetables. Average net income was US 1202/kattha from fish and US$ 525/ kattha from dike vegetables. Before the WorldFish intervention, pond dikes in Nepal were seldom used for growing vegetables. Now, however, more subsistence Nepali farmers with tiny land holdings reap significant benefits. Increased resilience of vulnerable households can be achieved through diversification, where farmers have an opportunity to rely on other crops if one crop fails (Little 2007). Small indigenous species consumption WorldFish projects have promoted culture of small indigenous fish species (SIS, Fig. 4) in polyculture with Chinese and Indian major carps. The SIS are typically consumed by household members and larger carps are sold for cash at nearby markets. Previously SIS were harvested primarily from rivers, ditches and canals during the peak of rainy season. Consumption of all nutrient-rich SIS increased between the beginning and end of the project, especially for the barb Puntius sophore, which was consumed in 55 percent of project households (Fig. 5). Wild harvest of SIS fry was more problematic than using hatchery-raised carp species. Moreover, yields of mola Amblypharyngodon mola were very low, related to the lack of knowledge of basic biological habits, appropriate culture techniques, and breeding season. Participant households reported that the demand for SIS was never met, notwithstanding increased convenience and availability because of stocking in ponds. The frequency of SIS consumption was twice monthly in 70 percent of project households, once monthly in 20 percent of households, and three times monthly in 10 percent of households. Availability of wild SIS is lowest during the rainy season. Regular consumption of SIS in farmers’ households can reduce malnutrition and disability among infants in rural subsistence farm families. Awareness and popularity of SIS increased among all area farmers as a result of this project. ANEP successfully introduced the integration of fish with dike vegetable farming in Siktahan village. Integrated farming on these family farms is productive and highly appreciated. Improved FIGURE 2. Dike cropping of tomatoes. FIGURE 3. Farmer harvesting bottle gourds grown on pond dikes. Note trellis system extending over pond edge.
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