Itanagar, Sept 20: Farming in Arunachal Pradesh has always been an essential part of the state’s economy. Farmers in the region have been experimenting with various farming techniques to make the most of their available resources. One such innovative approach is the ‘Paddy cum Fish cum Duck culture,’ a three-in-one farming model that combines crop, duck, and fish farming. Under the leadership of DC Changlang, IAS officer Sunny K Singh, this farming model is gaining popularity in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
A Unique Farming Model
While combining two crops in one field is a common practice, merging crop, duck, and fish farming together is a unique approach. The Changlang administration introduced this innovative farming model in the Vijaynagar circle, making it the first district to introduce duck farming in the paddy cum fish culture.
Implementation and Support
The ‘three in one’ farming project started in June, with ten farmers dedicating each hectare of their land to this innovative approach. The district administration provided extensive support, including training, seedlings, and exposure visits to Ziro Valley to enhance their skills.
Utilizing the Hilly Topography
Arunachal Pradesh’s hilly topography offers interconnected agricultural fields that naturally facilitate water linkages. Wet rice cultivation is the predominant farming method in the region. Fish farming was already being practised alongside paddy cultivation in the Lower Subansiri district of Ziro Valley.
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The Addition of Duck Farming
The key innovation in this farming model is the introduction of duck farming. Ducks now inhabit the flowing channels between fields, moving freely from one to another. To protect the fish from being eaten by ducks, they are added once the fish reaches a certain size. Additionally, small tunnels are created to allow fish to take shelter from birds preying on them.
Optimizing Water Resources
The Water Resources Department (WRD) plays a vital role in this farming model. It taps mountain streams and constructs channels to transport water to the fields. These channels are interconnected to ensure continuous water flow, ultimately diverting it into the river.
Harvesting and Benefits
Harvesting of both paddy crops and fish is synchronized to take place simultaneously. This innovative approach provides additional income for farmers while reducing the cost of paddy cultivation. It also contributes to water conservation in the region.
Remote Area Benefits
The initiative is being implemented in remote areas like the Vijaynagar circle, which is often isolated from the district during the rainy season due to landslides. During such times, this farming model ensures a continuous supply of protein from duckeries and fisheries in the paddy crop fields.
Arunachal Pradesh’s ‘Paddy cum Fish cum Duck culture’ is a testament to the innovative spirit of its farmers. This three-in-one farming model not only optimizes resource utilization but also promises additional income and water conservation in the region. With the continued support of the government and local authorities, this unique farming approach may also serve as an inspiration for sustainable agriculture in other regions.
