Current Trends and Usage Patterns of Aqua Drugs and Chemicals in Pond-Based Freshwater Aquaculture: A Comprehensive Study at Rajshahi District of Bangladesh

Aims: This study aimed to explore the current usage of aquatic drugs and chemicals in freshwater aquaculture practices within the Rajshahi district of Bangladesh. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in three upazilas, including Tanore, Durgapur, and Paba, within the district of Rajshahi in Bangladesh, over the period from March to August 2023. Methodology: Data was gathered through face-to-face interviews using questionnaires with relevant stakeholders, including 60 fish farmers, 25 chemical vendors, and representatives and 15 technical service officers from various feed and aqua-pharmaceutical companies. Results: Carp polyculture was the predominant aquaculture system observed in the investigated region, where different types of aqua drugs and chemicals were recognized as being used by fish farmers for various purposes, including managing water quality, disinfection, enhancing dissolved oxygen, treating diseases, promoting growth, and eliminating toxic gas. Several pharmaceutical companies were identified to supply approximately 140 aqua medications and chemicals under various trade names. In the study area, Lime, Geolite gold, Timsen, and Pathonil were the most widely used chemicals used for maintaining water quality and disinfecting the pond. Fish farmers used 16 several branded oxygen enhancers, mostly Oxy More, ACI-Ox, Oxy Life, Oxy Max. Among the 16 branded antibiotics identified, Renamycin, Ciproflox, Oxysenthin-20%, and Ranamox were extensively used by fish farmers. As probiotics, Pond Care, Eco-Pond, Profs, Aqua Life, and Safe Gut; and as growth promoters, Aqua Boost, Megavit Aqua, Rena Fish, and Eon Fish Grower were most commonly used. In addition, 12 obnoxious gas removers and other pesticides were found to be applied in fish ponds. Conclusion: The use of chemicals in aquaculture is expanding rapidly in the Rajshahi region. Most of the farmers have a limited understanding of how to use aqua drugs and the appropriate withdrawal period, which could negatively impact both fish and human health.