Assessing the Environmental Impact of Intensive Paddy-cum-Pisciculture: A Case Study from South India

Intensive paddy-cum-pisciculture is a sustainable farming system that integrates rice cultivation with fish farming, providing ecological and economic benefits. However, the environmental impacts of this practice remain a significant concern. This study assesses the environmental effects of intensive paddy-cum-pisciculture in South India, focusing on water quality, biodiversity, soil health, and carbon emissions. Data were collected from several farms in Tamil Nadu, comparing conventional paddy farming with integrated systems. The findings suggest that paddy-cum-pisciculture improves water retention, enhances soil fertility, and increases biodiversity but also introduces challenges like eutrophication and methane emissions. These results underline the need for better management practices to optimize environmental benefits while mitigating negative impacts.