digantsharma As farming continues to evolve, Indian farmers are exploring diversified and integrated models to increase income and reduce dependence on traditional crops. One such promising model is integrated poultry and fish farming—a sustainable approach that combines the benefits of both livestock and aquaculture, creating a circular ecosystem that boosts productivity while minimizing waste.
This farming method is gaining popularity among small and marginal farmers, especially in eastern and southern India, where water availability and livestock access align well with integrated practices.
🐔 Poultry Meets Aquaculture: A Symbiotic Model
In integrated farming systems, poultry sheds are constructed over or near fish ponds. Poultry droppings directly fall into the pond or are added regularly, acting as organic manure and encouraging the growth of plankton—a natural food source for fish. This reduces the need for commercial fish feed, lowering costs significantly.
Benefits include:
- Dual income streams from meat, eggs, and fish
- Lower feed costs for fish due to natural fertilization
- Efficient land use, especially for smallholders
- Reduced environmental waste through natural recycling
Farmers raising broilers or layers along with carps (rohu, katla, mrigal) or tilapia report up to 30–40% increase in profits compared to stand-alone operations.
🐟 Smart Practices for Integrated Success
To ensure effective integration and disease prevention, farmers follow practices such as:
- Constructing raised, ventilated poultry sheds over pond edges
- Collecting and composting manure before applying it to ponds in some cases
- Limiting flock density to control nutrient levels and avoid over-fertilization
- Using netting and fencing to prevent predators and manage bird droppings
Regular monitoring of water quality and fish health is essential to balance the ecosystem. Farmers are also encouraged to use locally available feed resources, like broken rice and rice bran, to further cut costs.
📈 Market Potential and Growth
As demand for locally sourced, antibiotic-free poultry and fish increases, integrated farmers have an edge. Many direct-to-consumer models, like community-supported agriculture (CSA) and weekly fresh produce markets, offer premium prices for naturally raised poultry and fish.
Additionally, this model offers employment opportunities for rural youth and women, making it a livelihood-enhancing solution for entire communities.
🏛️ Government and NGO Support
Schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) provide subsidies and technical support for pond construction, fish seed supply, and poultry shed infrastructure. NGOs and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) also conduct hands-on training in integrated farming practices.
These programs encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices while maximizing profit with minimal external input.
