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By combining aquaculture with wet paddy farming in its coastal areas Bangladesh can meet food security and climate change issues, says a new report.
The approach promises more nutritious food, without causing environmental damage, and has the potential for a ‘blue-green revolution’ on Bangladesh’s existing crop areas extending to about 10.14 million hectares and an additional 2.83 million hectares that remain waterlogged for about 4—6 months.
“The carrying capacities of these additional lands and waters, when fully utilised, can increase food production and economic growth,” says Nesar Ahmed, author of the report published online last month (28 January) in Ocean Coastal Management.
Ahmed, a researcher in fisheries management at the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, told SciDev.Net that there was a “vital link between prawn and shrimp farming in coastal Bangladesh and a ‘green economy’ that addresses the current environmental and economic crisis.”
“Aquaculture enhances soil fertility from fish waste discharge and contributes to pest control as several fish varieties feed on insects that harm crops,” Hoq said.
Rice fish farming in China image credit Greenpeace.
Read more at ENN Affiliate, SciDevNet.
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