Even though Sri Lanka has done experiments and researches on fish-rice integrated farming methods, But it was never applied to the field level practically. A farmer in Dehiaththakandiya, Bambarawana has started rice-fish integrated farming on his own.
Rice-fish farming would be a novel experience for Sri Lankan farmers although the rice-fish integrated farming is familiar in Asian countries like China, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Integrated farming is a method of which includes cropping methods and other agricultural production techniques which fulfil both ecological and economic demands. Also, integrated farming promotes maximum space utilization in the farm.
Advantages of rice-fish integrated farming
-Reduction in the number of harmful insects, such as paddy stem borers, whose larvae are eaten by fish.
-Reduction in rat population due to increase in the water level.
-Inreased mineralization of the organic matter and increased aeration of the soil resulting from the puddling of mud by benthic feeders.
-Control of algae and weeds (by phytophagous fish) which compete with rice for light and nutrients.
Disadvantages of rice-fish integrated farming
-Continuous supply of adequate water is needed.
-Extra investment and labour involved in raising and strengthening fields bunds.
- Rice varieties tolerant to deep water and too low temperature is needed.
-Fish may damage the young seedlings by uprooting them (carps) or eating them (Tilapia rendalli).
-Certain parts of the field are lost for fish culture by the construction of trenches and refuges for fish.
- Fertilizing and feeding the fish will be an additional cost
-Continuous inundation may not be possible in some soil types.
Links
http://www.fao.org/3/AC180E/AC180E03.htm
More information , Mr. Sampath Bandara , Sri Lanka
+94714016008
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