Innovative 3-in-1 Farming Flourishes in Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang District

In a groundbreaking agricultural venture, the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh is pioneering a "Paddy cum Fish cum Duck culture" that is transforming farming practices and garnering widespread attention. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Sunny K Singh, a 2018 batch IAS officer serving as the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Changlang, this unique pilot project is gaining momentum and proving to be a success story in sustainable agriculture.

Traditionally, combining two crops in a single field is a common agricultural method, but the integration of crop cultivation, fish farming, and duck rearing simultaneously is a rare and innovative practice, marking Changlang as a trailblazer in this endeavor.

The 3-in-1 Farming Revolution:

The project, initiated in June of this year, has introduced an innovative approach where paddy crops, fish farming, and duck rearing coexist harmoniously. Ten farmers have embraced this transformative approach, dedicating one hectare of their land to this innovative farming method, encompassing a total area of 10 hectares.

Building on Existing Practices:

Changlang's innovation is built upon the foundation of existing practices in the region. The hilly terrain naturally features interconnected agricultural fields for water management. Farmers have long been practicing wet rice cultivation and fish farming in these fields. What sets Changlang apart is the integration of duck farming into this dynamic system.

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How It Works:

Ducks inhabit the flowing channels, moving from one field to another.

Ducks are introduced when the fish reach a certain size to prevent them from consuming the fish.

Slight increases in ridge size prevent fish from jumping out, and small tunnels are created to protect fish from bird predators.

The fish feed on insects in the paddy crop roots, benefiting both the crop and the fish.

Water Management:

The Water Resources Department (WRD) plays a crucial role by tapping mountain streams and creating interconnected channels to transport water to the fields. This interconnected system ensures continuous water flow until it is diverted through outlets into the river to prevent waterlogging.

Government Support:

The state government has appointed a dedicated fishery officer to support the farmers, and the pilot project is closely supervised to ensure proper farming and harvesting techniques. Exposure trips are also planned to enhance knowledge and skills.

Harvesting and Benefits:

One of the remarkable aspects of this project is the synchronization of harvesting. Paddy crops and fish are set to be ready for harvesting around the same time, allowing for simultaneous collection. After harvesting the paddy, water channels are sealed to facilitate the easy retrieval of fish.

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Economic and Environmental Benefits:

This innovative approach generates additional income for farmers while reducing the cost of paddy crop cultivation. It also promotes water conservation and offers an accessible source of protein through fish and duck production.

Impact on Remote Communities:

Implemented in remote villages within the Vijaynagar circle, this project is particularly beneficial during periods of isolation caused by landslides in the rainy season. The local population continues to receive protein from duckeries and fisheries, enhancing their nutritional security.

Mr. Sunny K Singh, the driving force behind this agricultural revolution, emphasized, "This 3-in-1 farming model will help fulfill the protein requirement of the local people in a hilly area where regular ponds are scarce, and farming takes place wherever flat terrain is available."

The "Paddy cum Fish cum Duck culture" in Changlang is not only transforming farming practices but also setting an example of innovative, sustainable agriculture for the entire nation.

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