Culture of small indigenous fish species in seasonal ponds in Bangladesh: the potential for production and impact on food and nutrition security.

Abstract

AbstractSmall indigenous fish species (SIS) play an important role in the diet of the rural population in Bangladesh, not only as an animal protein source, but also as a source of a range of other essential nutrients such as vitamin A, calcium (Ca) and iron. Accessibility of SIS from capture fisheries is declining but development of low-input, semi-intensive, aquaculture technologies can potentially augment the production of this culturally accepted and affordable food for the rural poor. Some SIS, including mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) are extremely rich in vitamin A and since most SIS are eaten with bones, they are good Ca sources. A field trial on polyculture of SIS and carp was conducted in small, rural seasonal ponds in northeastern Bangladesh to investigate the production potential and to survey the nutritional impact on the farmers' families. SIS contributed approximately 10% of the total fish production. The trial demonstrated that mola stocked in polyculture with carp in small seasonal ponds had the potential to contribute significantly to the vitamin A supply in rural households.