TODAY -

Aqua-based IFS model : Options and opportunities for doubling farm income in NE region

Ratan Kumar Saha *



At present agriculture sector as a whole is facing hardship challenges to meet the food security and livelihood improvement of poor and small holding farmers. Agriculture and fisheries sector is the largest consumer of water, and highly vulnerable due to its direct dependence on climate parameters.

Fisheries and aquaculture support the incomes and livelihoods of about 10-12 percent of the world's population. The sector has an important role to play in gender equality, poverty and food security. Aquatic systems are also associated with rich biological diversity in a wide variety of ecosystems.

Since, aquaculture is not practiced evenly across the country so this write-up would addresses the potential impacts of climate change on the freshwater aquaculture sector with possible adaptations and mitigations to overcome these impacts as well as for doubling the farm income in a sustainable manner by considering following issue in a convergence mode:

1. Location specific climate-smart aqua-based 'IFS' (A4) model with view to optimum use of land and water resources.

2. More crop per drop of water viz., limited irrigation, aquaponics, hydroponics etc.

3. System and species diversification.

4. Use local germplasm, their improvement and conservation strategy.

5. Timely availability of quality inputs as well as use of local resources.

6. Promotion of buy back policy and public-private-partnership (PPP) mode.

7. Holistic approach for irrigation, transportation, marketing and technological intervention.

8. Attracting and retaining youth in agriculture (ARYA).

9. Need based skill development.

Three tier Aqua-based IFS model at CoF, Tripura In view of above challenges, development of location specific climate-smart aqua-based 'IFS' model is thus a need of the hour to achieve future food security and to mitigate climate change impacts. The College of Fisheries, CAU (I), Tripura developed 3-tier aqua-based 'IFS' model which includes tour (4) A i.e., Aquaculture + Agriculture + Animal Husbandry + Apiculture.

Working principles of the model

Tier 1: Nursery (5% area): Stocking density was 12.5 lakhs ha-1 (six day old spawn) and obtained survival at College of Fisheries 31%

Tier II: Rearing (15% area): Stocking density was 3 lakhs ha-1 and obtained survival at the unit developed at College of Fisheries was 57-72% for rohu and about 95% for common carb.

Tier III: Grow-out (80% area): The production per ha in the grow-out ponds (3rd Tier) at the lower elevation (under scientific management with application of pelleted supplementary feed): 3500-4000 kg ha-1 y-1 in the initial 1st and 2nd year and it should be >4000-5000 kg ha-1 y-1 (from third year onward once the soil fertility and water retention improves).

Aqua-based IFS interventions in NEH region by COF, Tripura This model was replicated at different areas of NEH region by the college through various projects with due consideration of local habitat/situation and the availability of natural resources.

The location specific interventions are
(i) Fish-vegetable-fruit farming
(ii) Fish-vegetable farming,
(iii) Fish-fruit farming,
(iv) Fish-pig farming,
(v) Fish-vegetable-pig farming,
(vi) Fish-fruit-pig farming,
(vii) Fish-fruit-vegetable-pig farming,
(viii) Fish spawn rearing-vegetable farming,
(ix) Fish-medicinal plant farming,
(x) Fish-rice-vegetable-fruit farming,
(xi) Fish-Fruit-goat farming (New),
(xii) Fish-agriculture-mushroom (New),
(xiii) Fish-duck-farming,
(xiv) Fish-cow farming.

Fish-goat-fruit farming (New)

Goat is considered as poor man's cow and its excreta are considered as a very good organic fertilizer. ['he goat excreta contains organic carbon-60%, N-2.7%, P-1.78%, K-2.88% and its urine is also equally rich in both N & P. Al least 50-60 goats are essential to fertilize 1 ha pond. the goat breeds are Jamanapari, Beetal, Barbari for milk and Bengal, Sirihi, Deccani are used for meat purpose.

Goats are selective feeders and consume Berseem, Napier grass, Cowpea, Soybean, Mulberry etc. :This integration can provide 3500-4000 kg fish/ ha/year without supplementary feeding and fertilizer.

Fish-agriculture-mushroom (New)

[Fish farming can be integrated with mushroom culture. Mushroom cultivation requires high degree of humidity and therefore its cultivation along with aquaculture tremendous scope. The shed of mushroom culture should be prepared on pond embankments which get required moisture from pond water.

Mushroom cultivation fits in very well with sustainable farming and has several advantages. It uses agricultural waste products, a high production per surface area can be obtained, after picking, the spent substrate is still a good soil conditioner as well as pond fertilizer, [Three kinds of mushrooms: European button, oyster, and paddy straw may grow for small scale production.

Apart from these three new more interventions viz.,
(i) fish-bee keeping-fruit farming,
(ii) Fish-beekeeping-floricultur e-veg-farming
(iii) Fish-bee keeping-mustard/rapeseed farming also have immense opportunity in the NEH region.

By keeping 3-5 bee colonies/ha the mustard// rapeseed production can be increased up to 20% with 4% increase in oil content and honey can be harvested 3-4 times during bloom. Bee hives should be placed in the Centre of field when crop starts 10% flowering. After oil extraction waste can be used in the fish pond as mustarded oil cake (MOC)/rapeseed oil cake (ROC).

Conclusion

Out of total 15 interventions tested, six were found most applicable for the selected area of NEH Region which includes:
- Fish-rice-vegetable-fruit farming system.
- Fish-vegetable-fruit farming system.
- Fish-pig-veg-fruit farming system.
- Fish-goat-fruit farming (New).
-Fish-mushroom-fruit farming (New).
- Fish-honey bee-fruit-mustard (New).

:After intervention the fish production increased to the tune of 108-686% and rice production to the tune of 27% with overall improvement of B:C ratio ranged from 2.44-4.81. [ion-availability/timely availability of quality fish fmgerling/seedlbreed, feed, and fertilizer/manure are some of the major constraints for successful and sustainable aqua-based 'Integrated Farming System' in the region, which needs to be addressed.


For further details contact: -
Public Relations& Media Management Cell,
CAU, Imphal.
Email: [email protected]


* Ratan Kumar Saha wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is the Director of Extension Education, CAU, Imphal
This article was webcasted on February 03 2023.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025