PROSPECTS ON PADDY CUM FISH CULTURE

Introduction:

Paddy Cum Fish Culture (PFC) is the integration of with paddy. This system is profitable and sustainable, as two crops i.e. paddy and fish can be harvested from a unit cultivable area. The wet fields where surface and ground water is sufficiently available can be utilized for development of PFC. This culture system is being practiced in the State since decades especially in the districts of Kohima and Phek. The adoption of PFC will open avenues for self-employment , supplement the income of the and enhance fish production in the State.

Advantage:

▪ Fuller utilization of available resources, readily available paddy fields can be utilized. ▪ Serves as an off season occupation for . ▪ Fish serves as an excellent agent for integrated Pest Management (IPM). ▪ Fish culture increase productivity and boost the production of paddy. ▪ Boost productivity and income from unit area. ▪ Reduction in fish production cost.

Scope and relevance of PFC:

To obtain maximum fish production with maximum effort and investment ; the State’s Fisheries Department has identified PFC as a potential area for augmenting fish production which is profitable and sustainable. Terrace paddy fields in the State occupy an area of about 65,000 ha. (Statistical hand book Nagaland 2007), where a large area can be integrated with fish culture.

Site Selection:

Terrace paddy fields and low lying fields with good source of water and spacious benches/plots can be brought under this system.

General specification:

Fish farming integrated with rice cultivation is crucially dependant on availability of sufficient water for survival and growth of fish without any detrimental effects on rice crop. It is therefore imperative that the plot is renovated for holding sufficient water.

Paddy Plot: At least 60% to 70% of land is made available for paddy cultivation. Rest is utilized for digging small pond and embankment.

Shelter Pond: A pit/ pond numbering one or more is excavated at the centre of the paddy plot which serves as the shelter for fish from extreme heat, predators and breeding purposes.

Embankment: Strong and stable dykes of earthen or semi permanent embankment is constructed around the plot creating a confinement for fish and to retain water. A height of atleast1.0m is preferable.

Species of Fish suited for PFC: The fish species suited in the system are that can: • Thrive in shallow water. • Tolerate temperature fluctuations. • Withstand high turbidity. • Grow to marketable size in a short period. Some successful species are Catla, Rohu, Mrigal and Common Carp

Paddy variety culture in Nagaland:

In hilly terrace paddy cultivation, preparation starts from the month of Feb- April where as seeds are slow in the first and second week of May. These seeds are transplanted by the month of June to the terrace field. Cultivation starts from the month of June to September and harvested in the month of October. Paddy variety commonly cultivated in the hilly district of Kohima and Phek are: i. Tanga kezhie, ii. Pfiru kezhie, iii. Nilhirű, iv. Meeha kezhie , v. Menya, vi. Japanirű and v. Sotherű.

Role of Fish on Paddy: The culture of fish in paddy fields generally benefits rice cultivation, as a result of better aeration of water and greater tilling due to the movement of fish. The Excreta of fish increases the fertility of soil. Fish also devour on harmful pest. Weeds and insect larva which are harmful for paddy.

Stocking of Fish: Fish seeds are released into the paddy fields after transplanted paddy seedling gets firmly rooted preferably after 15 days. The stocking density also depends on the size of fingerlings to be stock, place, fertility of the duration of culture. Stocking density: 5000- 6000 Nos fingerlings per hectare are ideal.

Manuring and Artificial feeding:

Cow dung may be applied @ 2000- 3000 kgs/ ha/ month after release of the fingerlings. No artificial feeding is given during the culture period. However, in intensive culture system artificial feeding with a mixture of rice bran and mustard oil cake at 1:1 ratio daily @3-4% of body wt of fishes gives better result during harvesting.

Harvesting :

The fish are harvested after 5-6 months of stocking in the case of concurrent / seasonal culture system; but in the case of continuous culture harvesting is done on yearly basic only.

Production : In Nagaland about 300- 500 kg /ha/yr of fish yield is recorded.

Dots and Don’ts :

• The paddy growing area may be placed at the centre or later at side with moderate elevation and growth sloping to facilitated are essential for easy drainage.

• Adequate and drainage facilities are essential for success of PFC.

• Paddy field should have strong embankment to prevent leakage of water, retain water up to desire and also to prevent the escape of cultivated stocks.

• Inlets and Outlets should be provided with screens to prevent unwanted fish from entering the culture fields and also the escape of culture stocks.

• Fish fingerlings should be stocked after the transplanted paddy are firmly rooted.

• Grass Carp should not be stocked, as it may eat the paddy.

Conclusion :

Considering the lucrative areas of irrigation rice fields in the State and with land pressure for pond development the department has identified paddy cum fish culture as suitable area for augmenting fish production which is easy, cost effective and sustainable.