Ecological and Socioeconomic Characterization of Integrated Rice-Fish Farming Systems under Natural Farming in West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, known as the "Rice Bowl of India “produces nearly half of the state’s rice, making it a key region for India’s food security. Alongside rice, it also hosts the country’s most commercially productive freshwater aquaculture, primarily focused on Indian major carps like Rohu and Catla. Under the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program, efforts were initiated to transition from rice monoculture (RM) to a more integrated and ecologically beneficial model Integrated Rice-Fish Farming (IRFF). This involves co-cultivation of rice and fish using natural farming practices, with a focus on local rice varieties and species like Rohu, Catla, and Mola.