Integrated Duck cum Fish Farming and its Economic Efficiency: A Study in Purulia District, West Bengal

The economic benefit of integrated fish farming cannot be over-emphasized since the integration is varied and diversified in nature. It is one of the most viable, reliable and profitable of any farming enterprise. It contributes immensely to the economic empowerment of many families especially in the rural communities. It enables the farmer to be productive all the year round and fully maximize its production. Its contribution in the enhancement of food security and self sufficiency is highlighted in this study. Integrated fish farming provides the farmer with a steady source of income all year round, this comes from various farm products. In duck-cum fish farming before the harvesting of the fish, which may take some months, the farmer can sell the eggs which will generate money for some time. Apart from this, money can also be generated from the vegetables or the crops that may be combined in the integrated fish farming. This study is based on primary data and conducted during the months of October 2016 to November 2016. To study the socio-economic status of the rural integrated duck cum farmers, a sample of 20 respondents was carved out randomly from the four villages in Purulia-I Block of district Purulia in West Bengal. The generated data were computed and analyzed through statistical tools and overall economic return in terms of productivity of the fishery and duckery practices, their gross return, net return and ultimate BC ratio. Integrated management of fish cum duck farming can be further developed towards achieving a higher economic efficiency. By utilizing the natural water body to cultivate high yield aquatic plants as vegetable feeds of ducks and the utilization of waste food from city or municipality to grow earthworm as animal based feeds. The produce in terms of eggs, meat and fish are further processed before marketing, thus, raising the economic efficiency and revenue in the utilization of energy and nutrient resources.