Fish farming at paddy fields gaining popularity in Kurigram

Shafique Bebu:

Fish cultivation along with paddy in paddy fields is gaining popularity as it brings financial benefit to farmers in the district.

Local sources said farmers cultivated fish on 600 acres of land along with paddy this year.

Experiencing the financial benefit, other farmers also came forward and followed the same technique of fish farming along with paddy.

Ayesha Begum and Mofasser Ali of Belgachha West Kalyan village released four and a half kg of fish fries on one bigha of aman paddy two months back.

They have so far sold fish valued at Tk 4,000 before harvesting paddy. They expect to sell more fishes worth Tk 5,000 during the harvesting time.

Farm manager of the District Fisheries Department Riaz Uddin said it is easy and profitable to cultivate fish along with paddy, as rainwater is available during the aman season.

Two NGOs – RDRS Bangladesh and KDS – imparted necessary training and assistance to the farmers for such fish farming.

If fish farming along with paddy at paddy fields spread all over the country, demand for rice along with protein will be fulfilled to a great extent. This will benefit farmers and the country’s economy as well.