Integrated fish farming is a sustainable and effective tool for improving rural economy due to its cumulative cost effectiveness, low investment and higher profitability. It optimizes the farm productivity per unit area through incorporation of recycling wastes and residues from one farming system to the other with due environmental consideration. It plays very important role in many aspects of women/youth development and empowerment and more profitable than unitary system of farming as it ensures a spread of financial risk for its varied diversified nature in rearing fish, animals and crops; it has a capacity of making more food available thus enhancing food security. Besides, it provide employment, thus alleviating poverty and enhancing the economic status of the rural population in India and reduce to the barest minimum the level of violence from disenchanted youth that is characteristic of the country in recent times. The benefits of integrated fish farming result either from direct consumption of fish by the producing households or from gains in income resulting in the purchasing of other cheaper foods, which lead to improved household food consumption in India. This book lays down the basic concepts and practice of integrated fish farming in terms of the history, present status, necessity, types, combination ratios etc. Cost-benefit analyses of some Integrated Fish Farming systems are also explored; the health risks to human beings and fish from Integrated Fish Farming systems and water quality issues are also treated. The book will be of interest to students, researchers, farmers, extension agents, health authorities and the general public.
