Preliminary studies in rice-fish culture in a rainfed lowland ecology in Ghana

Abstract

Mixed farms of rice and fish are yet to receive attention in Ghana, despite lowland rice being grown under inundation in most areas nationwide. In a preliminary study, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was successfully cultured in a rainfed lowland rice farm, although no additional care was provided for fishes. The highest yielding rice variety produced 4.8 t/ha (480 kg/1000 m2) which was commensurate with previous yields at the same location. Parent fish yield of 121 g/fish for a period of 139 days was also commensurate with yield from fish ponds. This excluded yield of fish progeny. With proper management, fish yields would greatly complement that of rice. Ghana Jnl.agric. Sci Vol.32(1), 1999: 123