Author(s): Mohammed oumer, Dereje Tewabe, Erkie Asmare

Abstract: Rice–fish culture is an integrated approach to food production and can increase food and income. This system can be practiced with little investment and can maximize the use of existing resources. It is one way to increase the economic benefits from rice fields and at the same time develops freshwater fisheries. Rice–fish culture has been practiced in 28 countries on six continents. Egypt is the largest rice producer among Middle Eastern and African countries, and Egyptian rice yields are some of the highest in the world. The study area is known as the Fogera Plains and used to be a livestock production area until recently. The area gets flooded during the wet season and is not accessible. Farmers along the coasts of Lake Tana are also fishermen and use traditional way of fishing using papyrus boats. Rice production has been introduced some five years ago in the Fogera plains and currently about 4,516 ha of land is under rice cultivation using the X-Jigna variety. In relation to above synthesis, rice-fish integrated field experiments were performed at the Fogera Plains from July 2014-December2014. Rearing fish fry and growing until they attained a weight of 50 grams and more. Stocking Nile Tilapia fish fingerlings, at a rate of 2 fish/m2. The results showed that on the two rice filed 720kg/ha and 1500kg/ha can be harvested through integrated rice and fish culture. The physical parameters showed good environment for fish survival and growth.

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