A significant stride has been taken to promote agriculture and aquaculture in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya with the establishment of a model fish rearing plan, under integrated farming at the College of Community Science, Tura, Meghalaya. The increasing demand for farming methods tailored to the region’s natural conditions and traditions has led to this initiative. This model will serve as a benchmark in the area showcasing how modern techniques can be harmonised with agricultural practices to enhance sustainability and productivity.
Integrated natural farming embodies an approach that blends agricultural methods to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. This strategy reduces reliance on chemical inputs by emphasising processes and resources. The incorporation of fish rearing alongside crop cultivation is a component of this approach offering advantages such as improved water efficiency, enhanced soil fertility and increased farm yield. In the terrain and climate of Garo Hills integrated natural farming presents an alternative to conventional agricultural methods. The College of Community Science has erected a model plan to illustrate the benefits of this method in fish breeding – an increasingly recognised profitable and eco-friendly agricultural endeavour.
The Garo Hills are ideal for fish farming since the region is naturally rich in rivers, streams, and ponds. Many types of freshwater fish thrive in the area, known for its rain and pleasant weather. With a tradition of eating fish deeply rooted in the culture both economically and culturally fish farming is successful in this region. Farmers can increase their overall resilience to challenges from the environment and the economy and diversify their sources of revenue by combining fish rearing with other farming activities.
The model plant at the College of Community Science focuses on several key species that are well-suited to the region’s conditions. These include:
Rohu (Labeo rohita): A popular freshwater fish known for its adaptability and high market demand.
Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella): A species that thrives in the region’s waters and contributes to controlling aquatic vegetation, making it a valuable addition to integrated farming systems.
Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala): A resilient species that is well-suited to the fluctuating water conditions often seen in the Garo Hills.
The establishment of the fish rearing involved several key steps, starting with choosing the right fish species and designing the ponds. The pond was built to make the best use of water and create a healthy environment for the fish to thrive. The size of the pond is 28 x 15 sq m and with a depth of 1.5-2 metres. In many areas the soil type is such that it cannot hold water. In such areas, it is essential to seal the pond to reduce seepage and percolation losses. These polythene (HDPE 500 µ) lined ponds can store water which can be readily used to culture fish.
To keep the pond water clean and safe, natural farming methods were used, like adding organic materials such as farmyard manure and compost. Prior to releasing the fishes, water testing was done with the expert from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Garo Hills for better survivability of the fishes. The study also incorporated traditional knowledge from local communities, who have long been skilled in managing water and fish. By blending these traditional practices with modern techniques, the model plan was designed to be both scientifically and culturally effective.
One of the distinguishing features of the model is its focus on using natural feed. Instead of relying on commercial fish feed, which can be expensive and harmful to the environment, the project encourages using locally available resources like rice bran, duckweeds, grasses and insect larvae. This approach not only cuts down on costs but also aligns with the principles of natural farming, ensuring the fish are raised in an environmentally friendly way.
The market potential for fish raised through this system is quite promising. As consumers become more aware of the benefits of organic and sustainably produced foods, there’s a growing demand for fish that are free from harmful chemicals and raised in eco-friendly conditions. The Garo Hills, known for its natural and organic products, is perfectly positioned to meet this demand. The college’s model plan will help to show that fish rearing can be a profitable venture for local farmers, providing a reliable income while also boosting the region’s food security.
Despite the potential, fish farming in the Garo Hills faces several challenges. One of the main issues is the lack of infrastructure, including hatcheries, feed mills, and cold storage facilities. This hampers the ability of farmers to scale up their operations and access larger markets. Another challenge is the limited knowledge and skills among local farmers regarding modern fish farming techniques. While traditional knowledge exists, there is a need for training and capacity-building programs to introduce farmers to more efficient and sustainable practices.
Market access is another critical issue. The Garo Hills, being a remote region, faces logistical challenges in transporting fish to major markets. However, with the increasing demand for organic and sustainably farmed products, there is potential for developing niche markets that can offer better prices for fish from the region.
The region’s unique geography, with its hilly terrain and abundant water resources, provides an ideal environment for integrated farming systems that incorporate fish production. Farmers in the Garo Hills have been embracing a diverse array of approaches to enhance sustainable fish production, drawing from traditional practices as well as modern aquaculture techniques. One such approach, highlighted by a recent study, is the implementation of polyculture systems in the region’s creeks and ponds. These systems allow for the cultivation of multiple fish species, optimising the utilisation of available resources and promoting a balanced ecosystem.
Furthermore, the study found that the Department of Fisheries has been actively working to modernise aquaculture activities in the hill districts, conducting training programs and taking steps to create new creeks for fish culture. The integration of fish farming with other agricultural practices, such as rice cultivation and agroforestry, has also emerged as a promising strategy in the Garo Hills. The success of the model plan will depend on the continued collaboration between the college, local farmers, and other stakeholders. By working together, they can overcome these challenges and establish fish rearing as a key component of sustainable agriculture in the Garo Hills.
The model fish-rearing facility at the College of Community Science, Tura, Meghalaya represents a pioneering effort, blending traditional wisdom with modern aquaculture techniques in the Garo Hills. By harnessing local resources and knowledge, this study aims to establish a sustainable and profitable farming system that could be adopted throughout the region.
With appropriate support and investment, fish farming could significantly boost the local economy, offering farmers a reliable income while safeguarding the area’s rich biodiversity. As this endeavour progresses, it promises to be a vital example of sustainable agricultural practices for the Garo Hills and beyond.
The authors greatly acknowledge Dr. Thongam Monika Devi, SMS (Fisheries), KVK South Garo Hills for her kind assistance and suggestions in the fish rearing programme in CCS, Tura.
(The writers serve at the Multi Technology Testing Centre (MTTC) & Vocational Training Centre (VTC), College of Community Science, Tura, Meghalaya)
