Rice monoculture and integrated rice-fish farming in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam—economic and ecological considerations

Abstract

This study is a survey of agriculture practices and pest management strategies among rice and rice-fish farmers in the Mekong Delta. Based on an economic comparison between different farmer categories, it is argued that rice-fish farming provides a sustainable alternative to rice monoculture, if the farmer takes full advantage of the natural productivity of the rice field ecosystem. The aim should be to reduce the resource use, avoid overuse of agrochemicals and improve production efficiency through increased recycling of nutrients and matter. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies should thus be adopted as a necessary complement to fish farming practices. IPM rice-fish farmers have the highest net income (19 500 000 VND per year ha −1), due to comparatively low costs and high yields of both rice and fish. Also IPM rice-farmers have a high net income (18 400 000 VND per year ha −1). Their productions cost are lower, but their rice yield is similar to that of non-IPM rice farmers. Non-IPM rice-fish farmers have the lowest net income (15 800 000 VND per year ha −1) due to their high costs and low yields.