Techniques of fish culture in rice fields  

a. Site selection

Following points should be taken care of for selecting the suitable site for rice-fish culture:

• The availability of adequate supply of fresh water.
• Soil having good water holding capacity and pH between 7-9.
• Avoid land which are subject to flood and landslide.

b. Dike/bund construction

• Sufficiently increased so that it can hold at least 15 cm of water.
• Should be approx.. 50 cm wide at the base, 50 cm high and 30 cm top width.

c. Trench construction

• Serves as refuge for fish when the water level drops to low, temperature of rice field is high and there is threat of predators.
• Serves as catch basins during harvest.
• In Nepal, Peripheral trench system is practices.
• In this system, a trench of 50 cm wide and 50 cm depth are constructed all around the dikes.
• Shouldn’t account more than 10% of the total area.

d. Size of rice plots:

• Constructed in such as way that independent filling and draining of water can be carried out.
• Recommended size is from 200-2000 m².

e. Inlet and outlet construction:

• The inlets and outlets are placed diagonally opposite so that there is more circulation of water in rice field.
• Made to prevent the entry of unwanted fish, tadpoles and to prevent escape of stocked fishes.