ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an economic analysis of options for rural farmers in Bangladesh, in particular examining the potential of integrated agriculture-aquaculture as a means to meet the country's long-term protein requirements. It argues that some of the additional production required could be achieved by integrating the current aquaculture practices of millions of agricultural households with on-going agricultural activities. Ducks and chickens were first integrated with aquaculture in Bangladesh in 1987 by the Fisheries Research Institute. The results of this trial showed that about 500 khaki campbell ducks could be profitably raised in a one-hectare carp pond, with a resultant annual fish production of 4.5 tons/ha. The ponds can be used for fish polyculture or poultry-fish culture, part of the available land may be used for growing paddy, and low-lying land may be used for rice-fish culture. Farmers have the option of using the fish, eggs and poultry to feed their families or selling them at the market.
