Integrated Aquaculture: Road ahead for sustainable rural development in Meghalaya

The unitary concept of producing crop is gradually changing to integrated system, with a view to integrate different farming components viz. fishery, live stock, horticulture to produce fish, eggs, meat and vegetables from the same farm. The major benefit of integrated system is utilization of resources effectively and recycling of waste within the farm and thus, ultimately maintaining ecological balance. The state Meghalaya, located in the North Eastern India, is characterized by hills and plateaus interspersed with valley lands in the foot hills. People of Meghalaya are predominantly dependent on agriculture and allied sector. Fish, a very valuable source of protein, comprises an important part of the diet of local tribal people. As local wild fish supply from natural water bodies diminishing gradually and relatively limited aquaculture, fish production in the state is insufficient to satisfy the present demand of fish. The present fish production in the state is 4.77 thousand tons against the demand estimated 30 thousand tons per annum. The difference between demand and production of fish is providing a market opportunity for fish producers in the state. The present study categorized integrated aquaculture as an important and promising enterprise for rural farming sectors of Meghalaya to maximize their farm income, providing nutritional security and in general to achieve sustainable development in the rural economy.