An overview on sustainable aqua-farming integration in the mid coastal region of Bangladesh

Abstract

Present study was carried from during January 2013 to September 2013 to find out the aqua farming integration at farm in mid coastal region through assessing the level of integration, ecological context on sustainability, physico-chemical parameters of water and soil and socio-economic status of coastal people. Six integrated aqua farm has been selected for study. Data collection occurred through personal interview, semi-structured questionnaire and cross-check interview. Dominant farming systems and level of integration was identified and financial profitability of farming systems figured out for sustainable production. The main profit comes from fish production. Moreover, livestock, vegetables birds, poultry rising also contribute to the farm income. In the integrated system, many interrelationships were discovered such as crop byproducts were fed to animals, while fish and animal manures were returned to the crops and fish in the ponds. During the study period water quality parameters found in suitable ratios for aqua-farming and meteorological condition found in favor. Also, the salinity of the bottom soil ranged between 0.1-0.3 (ECe) (dS m -1) and phosphorus value was between 1.0-4.0 (jig g -1 soil). A large number of middlemen are engaged in the production and marketing of farm products. More over these farms created opportunity of employment and economic growth for coastal people. The current study revealed that, the sustainable aqua farming integration should play a significant role in the people of mid coastal area if local people involve themselves with this integrating system by the help of government and non-government organizations.