A RECORD PRODUCTION FROM AN INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEM UTILISING SEWAGE ENRICHED WATER

Abstract

The results of experiments conducted on a pond dyke (655m2) in the
Wastewater Aquaculture Division of the Central Institute of Freshwater
Aquaculture, Rahara, during 1992-93 for maximising production through
optimum utilisation of resources are communicated. Round the year
intensive cultivation of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), amaranth
(Amaranthus gangeticus and A. viridus), water-bind weed (Ipomea
aquatica), Indian spinach (Basella rubra), radish (Rap han us sativum),
amaranth (Amaranthus viridis), cauliflower (Brassica oleracia var.
votrytis), cabbage (Brassica oleracia var. capitata) and papaya (Carica
papaya) was undertaken using the treated sewage water from fish ponds
for irrigation. The pond dyke yielded 5,626.5 kg vegetable which worked
out to 85.9 tons per ha per year. Multiple cropping with these vegetables
excluding papaya on a 460 m2 dyke recorded a production of 4,926.5 kg
at tlle rate of 107.lt per ha/yr. An improved yearly net return of about
35% over investment could be achieved through the selection of highly
productive and pest resistant vegetable crops of longer duration for
integration into the system. Introduction of this type of integrated farming
would enhance the overall productivity and returns from farming.