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VOL. 9, ISSUE 4 (2024)
Aquaculture practices in rural ponds of southern West Bengal, India
Authors
Dibyendu Saha
Abstract
Aquaculture in rural ponds of southern West Bengal, India had been
examined to understand its practices, challenges, and potential for sustainable
development. The study had synthesized findings from multiple peer-reviewed
articles, government reports, and case studies focusing on pond-based
aquaculture systems. Traditional carp polyculture, semi-intensive and intensive
practices, integrated rice–fish and duck–fish farming, and sewage-fed
aquaculture in peri-urban areas had been identified as the dominant systems.
Rural pond aquaculture had been shown to play a vital role in livelihood
generation, nutritional security, and income diversification for smallholder
households. However, several constraints had been documented. These included
poor seed and feed quality, frequent fish diseases, environmental
contamination, and climate-induced risks such as cyclones and saline intrusion.
Heavy metal accumulation in peri-urban systems such as the East Kolkata
Wetlands had raised food safety concerns, while socio-economic barriers such as
limited access to credit and gender disparities had restricted wider adoption
of improved practices. Despite these constraints, innovative approaches such as
the use of chironomid larvae as supplementary feed and the adoption of Better
Management Practices (BMPs) had demonstrated promising results in improving
fish health and productivity. The study had concluded that rural pond
aquaculture in southern West Bengal had provided significant socio-economic
benefits but had remained vulnerable to systemic, environmental, and
institutional barriers. Strengthening aquaculture would require certified seed
supply, improved feed practices, farmer training, gender-inclusive
participation, and climate-resilient strategies. Sustainable development of
pond aquaculture in the region had therefore depended on integrating
traditional practices with modern innovations and institutional support.
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Pages:50-55
How to cite this article:
Dibyendu Saha "Aquaculture practices in rural ponds of southern West Bengal, India". International Journal of Zoology Studies, Vol 9, Issue 4, 2024, Pages 50-55
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