Socio economic aspects on paddy alternate fish culture at Moyna block, Purba medinipur District, West Bengal, India

In the study on different sites the economics of paddy-fish farming system was conducted in the block of Moyna under East Midnapore district of West Bengal. The study was carried out among 100 farmers. Paddy alternate fish culture at Moyna Block utilizes a range of production systems and practices, but all contribute to eco friendly environmental benefits and sustainable development. Many factors have contributed to these developments, but equally and still, there are challenges that need to be addressed for up-scaling these production systems and practices. The production rate of fish is much higher than in other traditional system of culture. We have seen fish production at culture area in between 4200 Kg – 4900 Kg/hectare within six month. The growth rate of culture fishes at paddy alternate fish culture is higher than paddy with fish culture. The study revealed that farmers of this Moyna block followed paddy alternate fish farming by simultaneous and rotation techniques. About 47% farmers were under the age group of 31 to 40 and their education level was below matriculation. The study also pointed out the surplus labours of the local area had better employment opportunity through this farming system. Besides in this system the farmers get production of paddy from the same field at the rate of 5000 kg to 5200 kg per hectare, after fish culture the expenditure of paddy production at the culture areas is less. So, it clearly establishes the superiority of this system of fish alternate paddy cultivation. The study reveal that expenditure of winter paddy cultivation is less on culture sites because during fish culture the soil fertility is higher due to application of inorganic and organic manure. The result of this investigation exhibit the sustainability of this culture system as this system does not pollute the water and soil by use of fertilizers and pesticides to an alarming level. The investigation also brings to light clearly that this system is a very good instrument for socio-economic development of the fish farmers in a better way than any other system of culture. It is evident from the economics of this system for the fishermen.