Integrated farming brings hope to farmers

Farming of fish, poultry, vegetables and fruits has been bringing smile to the farmers’ faces in Rahjshahi region for the last couple of years.

The farming has been gaining popularity in the region contributing a lot towards meeting the gradually increasing demands for animal protein and other nutrition.

Sohrab Hossain, general secretary of District Fish Farmers Association said the farmers are being interested in modern fish farming leaving the conventional method.

Selling of fish, fruits and vegetables in Rajshahi markets has created a new dimension as the local produces are being transported to many other districts from the region.

Many integrated producers in urban and rural areas have become rich in the region by such farming particularly producing and selling fish.

To meet the increasing demand for food, there is a need to increase fruit, vegetables and fish production in the region. Composite fish farming has a great role for the uptick in the production.

The farming should be extended with the help of the government organisations, NGOs, donor agencies and other key stakeholders, Sohrab Hossain said.

Shafiqul Islam, an integrated farmer of Keshorhat village under Mohanpur upazila, said he has established chicken and duck farms and vegetable garden in surroundings areas of his five big ponds, sprawling over 80 bigha of land.

He earned Tk 1 crore from the farming during last eight years beside creating employment opportunities for many people.

Anwar Hussain, an integrated producer in Boilsingh area under Bagmara upazila has become an icon, playing a vital role in boosting the local economy farming of fish in 22 ponds, stretching across 1,320 bigha of land.

He has contributed improving socio-economic conditions rearing poultry birds and cultivating vegetables with fish farming.

Ashraf Ali of Durgapur upazila has earned success through integrated farming in 20 ponds for the last 20 years. 

When contacted, Rajshahi District Fisheries Anal Kumar Saha opined that fish farming with poultry should not be appreciated as it may be harmful for human health.