Jyotish Barman and Homeswar Kalita
As pressure on land and water resources continues to increase and the cost of agricultural inputs rises, farmers are looking for ways to produce more from limited resources. Integrated farming systems offer a practical solution by combining different farm enterprises so that the waste or by-products of one enterprise become useful inputs for another. Among these systems, integrated poultry–fish farming has considerable potential to improve farm productivity, reduce wastage and strengthen rural livelihoods.
A productive partnership between poultry and fish
Integrated poultry–fish farming combines poultry rearing with fish culture in the same production system. Poultry sheds are constructed either over or near fish ponds, allowing poultry manure to be used as an organic nutrient source for the pond. When the manure decomposes in the pond, it releases nutrients that encourage the growth of phytoplankton and zooplankton. These organisms form an important natural food source for fish. As a result, farmers can reduce their dependence on chemical fertilizers and supplementary fish feed.
The system therefore creates a simple cycle: poultry produces eggs, meat and manure, while the pond converts the manure into nutrients that support fish production. This efficient recycling of farm resources can help farmers obtain more output from a limited area of land.
For small and marginal farmers, the benefits can be particularly significant. Instead of depending on a single source of income, farmers can obtain returns from both poultry and fish. The combination can improve nutrient-use efficiency, lower production costs and contribute to household food and nutritional security.
Two ways to integrate poultry and fish:
There are two major approaches to integrated poultry–fish farming.
1) Direct integration system: In this system, poultry houses are constructed over a convenient portion of the fish pond. The floor is perforated so that poultry droppings fall directly into the pond and provide nutrients for the fish.
2) Indirect integration system: In this system, poultry is reared separately on the farm, either under a deep-litter system or on a wire floor. The poultry manure or deep litter is collected and applied to the fish pond at recommended rates.
The choice between the two systems depends on the farmer’s resources, farm layout and suitability of the site.
Getting the pond ready:
Proper pond preparation is essential for successful integrated fish farming. A pond with excessive aquatic weeds, unwanted fish and high organic loads may not be suitable for immediate stocking.
Aquatic weeds should be removed manually or mechanically. Unwanted and predatory fish should also be eliminated, preferably through complete dewatering or repeated netting where dewatering is not possible.
After dewatering, the pond bottom should be exposed to sunlight for about 15–20 days, and accumulated muck should be removed. The embankments and side slopes should be repaired, while the pond bottom should be turned over to improve its condition.Liming is another important step, with the quantity determined according to the pH of the pond soil.
For integrated poultry–fish farming, a pond water surface of about 500 to 4,000 square metres is recommended. Rectangular ponds are preferred, with a water depth of about 1–1.5 metres throughout the year, while the maximum depth may reach 3 metres depending on the season.
Choosing the right fish and poultry:
A combination of six fish species can be used to make efficient use of different zones of the pond. The recommended combination consists of catla (25%), silver carp (15%), rohu (20%), grass carp (10%), mrigal (20%) and common carp (10%). Stunted yearlings of 10–15 cm length may be stocked at a density of around 8,000 fish per hectare, generally during March–April or when adequate water is available.
For direct integration, poultry breeds such as Keystone Golden, Rhode Island and Kuroiler can be reared. Birds of 6–8 weeks of age may be introduced into the system. In indirect integration, day-old chicks of suitable commercial breeds can be reared. The recommended poultry population is around 500–600 birds per hectare of pond area.
Managing the integrated farm:
Good management is the key to maintaining a healthy balance between poultry production and fish culture. In the direct system, poultry droppings are allowed to enter the pond, while in the indirect system deep litter or poultry manure is applied at a predetermined rate. Farmers must, however, avoid excessive application of manure. An overload of nutrients can cause algal blooms and deteriorate water quality. When algal blooms appear, manure application should be suspended until the water quality returns to normal.
Regular monitoring of fish health is equally important. Farmers should observe fish behaviour daily, undertake periodic test netting to monitor growth and disease, maintain proper hygiene and disinfect fishing equipment. Dead or weakened fish should be removed immediately, and the entry of wild fish and contaminated water should be prevented.
Poultry health should also receive equal attention. Birds should be vaccinated against diseases such as Ranikhet, Marek’s disease and Fowl pox. Proper hygiene, dry litter and a consistent feeding programme are important for maintaining flock health.
More food and income from the same farm:
One of the major attractions of integrated poultry–fish farming is its potential to increase overall farm production. According to the production estimates in the original system, fish production can reach around 3,000–4,000 kg per hectare, and may increase to 5,000–6,000 kg per hectare under intensive farming.
With a poultry population of about 600 birds per hectare, the system can produce approximately 1,20,000 eggs and 690 kg of chicken annually. These outputs provide farmers with multiple products and income streams from the same integrated farm.
A promising opportunity for Nagaland:
For Nagaland, integrated poultry–fish farming offers an important opportunity for improving farm-based livelihoods. The state's farming communities have a strong tradition of livestock and poultry rearing, while fish and other animal-source foods form an important part of local diets.
The integration of fish with poultry or other suitable farm enterprises can help make better use of available resources while creating additional sources of food, income and employment. With appropriate technical guidance and locally suitable models, integrated farming can contribute to higher farm productivity and strengthen the rural economy.
Rather than treating farm waste as a problem, integrated poultry–fish farming demonstrates how one enterprise can provide valuable inputs for another. By recycling resources, diversifying production and making better use of limited land, the system offers a practical pathway towards more sustainable and resilient farming in Nagaland.
