Synergistic Paddy-Aquaculture: Modern Perspectives on an Enduring Agricultural System
Keywords:
Rice–fish culture, sustainable agriculture, integrated farming, ecosystem servicesAbstract
Rice–fish culture, an ancient integrated farming system, is gaining renewed attention for its potential to foster sustainable agricultural intensification. This article reviews the historical context, ecological benefits, economic viability, and system optimization strategies of paddy-aquaculture systems. Findings indicate that integrating fish into rice paddies enhances ecosystem services, improves rice yield stability, and provides natural pest control, thereby reducing reliance on external chemical inputs. Economically, rice–fish culture diversified income streams for farmers and lowers production costs, making it a profitable and resilient agricultural model. While challenges such as water management and technical knowledge gaps exist, ongoing research into suitable rice varieties and fish species, coupled with supportive policy frameworks, can further unlock the global potential of this ingenious agricultural heritage system. This review emphasizes the critical role of rice–fish culture in building sustainable and food-secure futures.
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