National Fisheries Development Board to provide assistance for Integrated Paddy-cum-Fish Culture

The practice of producing paddy and fish, with the same resources in the same unit area is termed as Integrated Paddy-cum-Fish Culture.

Types:

• Concurrent Method – Here, fish and paddy grow together in the same field at the same time
• Rotation Method – Here, fishes are cultured in the same field, but during paddy off-season

With the use of Integrated Paddy-cum-Fish Culture (IPFC), the crop yield per unit area increases, resource use efficiency improves and farmers get more income from their fields.

Advantages –

• Aids in full utilization of paddy field
• Reduces need of fertilizers, as fish waste acts as source of nutrients
• Reduces the need of pesticides and herbicides
• Improves income of the farmer

Under IPFC Project of National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), the paddy farmers from north-eastern states can avail assistance, as hilly terrain in these states limits the chances for construction of new ponds. Under this project, the registered farmers can avail financial assistance, undergo training and receive advisory services.

Pattern of assistance under IPFC project –