46 SEPTEMBER 2014 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG Malnutrition among women and children is prevalent in Nepal. The most common forms of malnutrition are undernutrition and deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, iodine and iron. The United Nations International Children’s Fund reported about 41 percent of children under five years of age are stunted (UNICEF 2012). Similarly about 36 percent of women, age 15-49, are anemic (Ministry of Health and Population 2006). The limited availability of food, especially in variety and with high nutrient content, high poverty rates and the low status of women in society have been major contributors to high rates of malnutrition. Nepalese have a plant-based diet. Vegetables grown in a home garden play a vital role in the supply of nutrients for the resource poor. However, essential amino acid content and the quality and bio-utilization of animal protein is greater than those of plant protein (Pulami and Poudel 2004). Therefore, there is a need for inclusion of some animal protein in the diet. Fish are an important source of nutrients and micro-nutrients because fish are rich in protein, essential fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, which are important for the cognitive and physical development of humans (Roos et al. 2006). In light of this knowledge, a three-year pilot project entitled “Improvement of women’s livelihoods, income and nutrition through Carp-SIS-Prawn polyculture in Terai, Nepal” was initiated in 2008 in Chitwan (Central Region) and Kailali (Far Western Region) districts of Nepal to help address malnutrition among poor women and children. The approach includes farming in household ponds of carp (rohu, mrigal, silver carp and bighead carp), freshwater prawn and Small Indigenous Fish Species (SIS), such as dedhuwa (Esomus danricus), mara (Amblyparyngodon mola) and pothi (Puntius sophore). Carp and prawn are sold for household income, whereas SIS are consumed by the family through regular partial harvests. Regular intake of SIS has the potential to improve the nutritional status of family members because these fish are rich in vitamins and minerals (Thompson et al. 2002, Roos et al. 2003, Akpaniteaku et al. 2005, Roos et al. 2007a, b). Moreover, because SIS are eaten whole, without loss of nutrients from cleaning or plate waste, the contribution to micronutrient intake is greater. Small fish, along with other fish with relatively greater market value, is often collected from natural waters such as rivers, streams, ponds and ricefields. The catch from such fisheries is low and Polyculture with Carp, Nutrient-rich Small Fish and Prawn Sunila Rai, Shakuntala H. Thilsted, Madhav K. Shrestha, Md. Abdul Wahab and Mahesh C. Gupta inconsistent because the fish stock is depleted rapidly by use of poisons and electrofishing as fishing gear. Hence, there is a need to produce fish in ponds to provide consistent yield for household consumption and economics and for decreasing fishing pressure on capture fisheries. Small fish also accidentally enter fish ponds from the water supply canal. Though SIS contributes significantly to the fish catch from both natural waters and pond harvest, there is no data on the amount caught, consumed and sold. Small fish have been considered as “weed” or “trash” fish and were often removed from ponds, based on a misconception that SIS exert competition for food and space with the main species cultured. Farmers and extension workers have not been aware of the nutritional value of SIS. Therefore, their culture potential has always been overlooked. Against this background, the project on Carp-SIS-Prawn Polyculture began in Terai, Nepal among poor Tharu and Danuwar women, who are ethnic and marginalized. Involvement of Tharu and Danuwar women in income-generation activity through fish farming helps empower them economically and socially. Moreover, their involvement in group activities, such as meetings, fingerling procurement and delegation to District Agriculture Development Office (DADO) for advocacy, provide them opportunities to come out of the house and share their opinions, problems and experiences. The approach was implemented by Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Rampur, in collaboration with Fisheries Development Centre (FDC), Rural Integrated Development Society (RIDS) and Rural Empowerment Society (REST), with technical assistance from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). The duration of the project was three years (December 2008 — November 2011) and it was funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark (Danida). Fish Production Altogether, 126 female farmers were selected, 100 in Terai, Chitwan (Central Region) and 26 in Kailali (Far Western Region). In each household, a small pond (average size ~100 m2, ranging from 35 to 236 m2) was dug near the house. Most ponds were dug with excavator, but dikes were prepared manually. Few farmers dug their own ponds. The cost of pond construction was supported by the project. All ponds were supplied with canal water derived from nearby rivers and rivulets. Small fish have been considered trash fish and were often removed from ponds, based on a misconception that SIS exert competition for food and space with the main species cultured. Production was greater in ponds with SIS than those without SIS, suggesting a synergistic effect of SIS on carp production. Small fish contributed an average of 20 percent of total family consumption among SIS-growing farmers. SIS-stocked ponds provided 28 percent greater income over carp-only ponds because of comparatively greater production. Female farmers have learned to stock and grow SIS.
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