Rice Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 132-139 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 135 4 Ecological Benefits Analysis 4.1 Enhanced biodiversity and system stability Rice-fish integrated farming systems significantly enhance biodiversity and system stability by creating a more diverse ecosystem. The presence of fish in rice paddies contributes to increased invertebrate predator abundance, which helps control pest populations and reduces the need for chemical pesticides (Wan et al., 2019). Additionally, the integration of fish and ducks in rice farming systems has been shown to increase the diversity and evenness of weed species, thereby promoting a more balanced ecosystem (Nayak et al., 2020). This biodiversity not only supports ecological stability but also contributes to higher rice yields and improved soil health (Nayak et al., 2018; Li et al., 2022). 4.2 Reduction in chemical fertilizer and pesticide use The integration of fish into rice farming systems reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Fish contribute to nutrient recycling by feeding on plankton and other organic matter, which enhances soil fertility and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers (Nayak et al., 2018). Studies have shown that rice-fish systems can decrease the use of nitrogen fertilizers by over 30% compared to conventional rice farming, while also reducing pesticide use by approximately 23% (Wan et al., 2019; Fu et al., 2024). This reduction in chemical inputs not only lowers production costs but also minimizes environmental pollution and promotes sustainable agricultural practices (Ranjith et al., 2024; Tokpanou et al., 2024). 4.3 Water quality improvement and ecological cycling Rice-fish integrated systems improve water quality and promote ecological cycling within the paddy fields. The presence of fish enhances the cycling of nutrients and organic matter, leading to improved water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen and reduced ammonia levels (Nayak et al., 2018; Tokpanou et al., 2024). These systems also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane and nitrous oxide, by improving soil structure and increasing soil carbon and nitrogen sequestration (Zhang et al., 2023). The improved water quality and nutrient cycling support healthier rice plants and contribute to higher yields and better-quality rice (Li et al., 2022; Liu et al., 2022). 5 Economic Returns Assessment 5.1 Income diversification and increase for farmers Integrated rice-fish farming systems have been shown to significantly enhance income diversification and increase for farmers. By incorporating fish and other livestock into rice farming, farmers can generate additional revenue streams beyond traditional rice cultivation. For instance, the integration of fish and ducks in rice farming not only improves rice yield but also provides additional income from fish and duck sales, thereby diversifying income sources and increasing overall farm profitability (Nayak et al., 2020; Fu et al., 2024; Arumugam et al., 2025). The rice-fish-duck system, in particular, has been noted for its ability to enhance total farm production and income through effective nutrient recycling and improved soil health (Nayak et al., 2018). 5.2 Cost-benefit analysis of integrated systems The cost-benefit analysis of integrated rice-fish systems reveals that these systems can be economically advantageous despite higher initial costs. Studies have shown that while integrated systems like rice-fish symbiosis (RFS) and rice-duck symbiosis (RDS) incur higher costs compared to single cropping rice (SCR), they also produce significantly higher net benefits. For example, RFS and RDS have been reported to yield 1.30 to 1.48 times higher net benefits than SCR, with a benefit-cost ratio comparable to or higher than SCR (Fu et al., 2024). Additionally, the use of organic manures and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers in integrated systems further enhances economic efficiency by lowering input costs (Pearlin et al., 2024). 5.3 Marketability and branding potential Integrated rice-fish farming systems offer unique marketability and branding opportunities. The production of high-quality proteins and organic produce from these systems can be leveraged to create niche markets and premium pricing strategies. The ecological and sustainable nature of integrated farming can be a strong selling
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==