Integrated fish fauna farming system in north Bihar: Focus on Kosi region

The Kosi region of North Bihar, with its fertile floodplains, abundant water bodies, and tropical monsoon climate, offers immense potential for integrated fish farming. This sustainable approach combines fish culture with agriculture, horticulture, and livestock rearing to enhance productivity, resource efficiency, and rural income. The study explores ichthyofaunal diversity and the scope of integrated fish farming in the Kosi region, highlighting systems such as fish-cum-paddy, poultry, duck, pig, horticulture, and makhana cultivation. Survey findings reveal that 65% of farmers practice integrated methods, with Rohu, Catla, Grass Carp, and Makhana-fish mixes as dominant species. Despite flood-related challenges affecting 70% of farmers, integrated systems provide natural pest control, improved nutrient recycling, and dual-income opportunities. The paper emphasizes the need for technical support and policy incentives to address challenges and scale sustainable aquaculture. Integrated fish farming in this region demonstrates a viable model for ecological balance, food security, and socioeconomic development in flood-prone areas.