STUDY ON DIFFERENT AQUACULTURE PRACTICES IN KISHOREGANJ DISTRICT AND ITS IMPACT ON FISH PRODUCTION

Abstract

The present study was conducted to determine the status and practices of fish farming in a promising aquaculture area of Bangladesh. Data were collected from 180 farmers randomly, covering 9 Unions under Bajitpur Upazilla of Kishoreganj district for a period of five months from August 2015 to December 2015. Data are represented within the view of pie diagram, table form and bar diagram. The present study indicated that most of the farms were established within last ten years and half of the farm were established an agricultural land. Various chemicals and fertilizers were commonly used. The present study indicated that agriculture were the main income source for 56.67% farmers and aquaculture were income source for 30% farmers. Highest number of farm (46.67%) established within five years before and 66.67% of the farmers have their own pond. Twelve different fish species were found to be cultured in these farms. It was also found that 40% farmers used polyculture and 60% farmers used monoculture system. Water retention capacities in the study area were very good. Although there were some adverse socio-economic and environmental impacts, fish farming played an immense role in the increase of socioeconomic condition, opportunity for employment and poverty alleviation of large number of population. The farmers currently facing a number of constraints such as lack of good quality seed, poor loan facility, lack of capital, marketing and management problems. To improve the overall conditions of fish farmers, it is necessary to upgrade the existing fish farming practices through institutional initiatives.