An efficient, environmental friendly & profitable alternative to this can be 'AQUAPONICS'
Aquaponics may seem to be a recent trend but it's not as history traces it back to Aztec period( 1000AD). However a lot of modifications can be done to increase the production & profitability from the same. But what is it & how can it be beneficial to Indian Farmers?
Read till the end to know & learn more about this innovatory topic.
AQUAPONICS
Aquaponics is a word combining the meaning of two words Aquaculture (cultivation of fishes in controlled condition) & Hydroponics (Soil less cultivation of crops i.,e growing plants in nutrient enriched water).
WORKING:-
''It relies on recycling of nutrient rich water continuously. The plants get all nutrients for their growth from water containing excreta of fish & in return the plants & good bacteria present in roots act as biofilter thus purifying the water which is then reused to rear the fish. This enables farmer to get year round income from both sources."
COMPONENTS:
The primary components or Live components are:
1) Plants
2) Fishes
3) Bacteria
1) Plants:- Plants are the main purpose of aquaponics & play a highly important role in this cycle by:-
- acting as natural filter by detoxifying water that is reducing nitrate accumulation by absorbing them which are basically harmful to fishes
- growing directly in the effluent rich water from aquaculture & thus eliminating the need of soil medium
Cabbage & Cauliflower:- As they need less maintenance
Tomatoes, Pepper & Cucumber:- Do well in mature aquaponics with high stocking densities of fishes.
Some other vegetables like- Lettuce, capsicum, onions can also be grown well.
2) Fishes :- It is the chief component as the nutrient rich aquatic effluent is recirculated serving as a medium for growth of plants. The selection of fishes should thus be carefully done.
The selected fish should:-
a) be able to live in an enclosed space i.e., fish tank
b) rapidly procreate
c) tolerate crowding
The suitable fishes are-
- Tilapia: 9 month duration
- Trout: for cold environment
- Catfish: It is most preferred for it's taste, & being bottom feeders can be grown in wide environment conditions
- Salmon: Grown for taste & associated health benefits
- Ornamental Fish / Non edible fish: Koi & Goldfish both have better survival, long lifespan & better pest & disease resistant
3) Bacteria :- This is a part without which aquaponics isn't possible. They are known as biofilter often times because:-
- they efficiently transform the waste into nutrients by the process of Nitrification ( conversion of Ammonia into nitrates) that helps in easy assimilation by plants.
- they prevent fish waste from reaching toxic levels by the same process as the ammonia accumulation is harmful to the fishes
The associated bacteria:-
Nitrosoccus (aquatic environment)/Nitrosomonas(soil environment):- Converts Ammonia to nitrates
Nitrococcus (aquatic environment)/Nitrobacter(soil environment):- Converts Nitrites to Nitrates
Heterotrophic bacteria:- It breaks down solid fish & plant waste to available micronutrients necessary to for plant growth
The secondary components include:-
1) Fish tank :- Recycled bathtubs, stock tanks, recycled barrels, or large tank that are waterproof, durable, inert & non toxic should be used.
2) Grow beds :- This is where plants grow. Here total volume of grow bed should be equal to volume of fish tank & should be strong enough to withstand downward force of medium water flow.
3) Rearing tank:- It is where fish are raised & fed to tank.
4) Settling tank:- It catches uneaten food & settles out fine particulates
5) Biofilter:- It houses the nitrifying bacteria also larger colonies are possible here.
Air pump, Fish feed & pH balancer are other necessary components to be considered.
METHODS OF AQUAPONICS:
1) Deep water culture(DWC):- For growing low nutrient plants, greens & used in large commercial systems.
2) Media based aquaculture:-Growing in inert planting media such as clay pellets/shale.
3) Nutrient Film Technique(NFT):- Plants placed in holes drilled in PVC pipes & roots dangle freely in water working well for plants needing little support.
BENEFITS/ADVANTAGES ASSOCIATED:-
a) Organic & nutritional benefits
Since no pesticides are added hence good for health.
b) Year round as well as off season production
As it is comparatively independent of environmental conditions
c) Reduced water usage
It is estimated that only 1/6th of water is needed to grow 8 times more food per acre when compared to traditional agriculture.
d) No weed & soil borne diseases
The absence of soil as growing medium is the reason that this system is free from many diseases & no need weed competition as well. .
e) Accelerated plant growth
Lower risks from contaminants and has higher level of biosecurity.
f) Produced on Non arable lands as well
Be it deserts, degraded soil, salty or sandy lands aquaponics can be quite easily established
g) Endangered, threatened fish & plant can be grown here
Since we are creating artificial condition for their growth proper care can be taken for their protection.
h) Land requirement is considerably reduced
Considering Indian scenario with noticeably decrease in cultivated land due to urbanization & industrialization this technique makes sense.
DRAWBACKS:-
1) High financial costs
Initially costly to set up & maintain though it largely depends on size of aquaponics.
2) Not all crops or fishes can be grown & cultivated here
Usually tuberous & root crops can't be grown here similarly certain fish species can't be recommended here as well.
3) High electricity cost
As the waterpipes need 24/7 hours of electricity to keep the fish tank at constant temperature.
4) Installation needs professional knowledge
The construction & maintenance needs certain proficiency as well.
5) Unexpected risk of failure
Close monitor of fish & pants have to be done as alterations may have detrimental effects on both.
6) Disease & Pest control
Pesticides can't be used here so control may be quite difficult
Possible Alternative SOLUTIONS:-
- Harnessing solar energy & other renewable sources can be done to reduce the electricity cost
- Farmer's camp & awareness campaign can be organised to make them realize the associated benefits
- As the non chemical methods have to be avoided traps, physical barriers or biological methods can be employed to trap pests & control diseases.
CONCLUSION
Aquaponics though has gained worldwide fame yet is only at nascent stage as even though the operating costs are minimal yet initial investment is high leading to low adoption rates thus bringing us to the conclusion that this method of cultivation may turn out to be of great help to farmers particularly when the challenges are addressed in an appropriate & efficient manner.
And not to forget that the
- decreasing land holdings &
- increasing food demand makes aquaponics a thriving innovation in urban areas that is in houses, terraces or even in backyard thus assuring bright future for Aquaponic farming in India.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/aquaponics
http://www.projectfeed1010.com/blog/2014/07/15/aquaponics-components/#:~:text=There%20are%20three%20main%20components,way%20allowing%20for%20food%20security.
https://www.agrifarming.in/aquaponics-design-types-components-advantages
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