SMALL-SCALE
FISH FARMING
IN BANGLADESH
Introduction
For many people in Bangladesh
small-scale fish farming is an
important opportunity to generate
income and is a significant
nutritional source providing protein-
rich food all year round. It
comprises of a range of options that
can be adapted to suit the needs
and capacity of people living in
rural Bangladesh.
The two approaches commonly
implemented on a small scale are:
Local pond fish farming
Open water fish farming in
lakes, rivers, dams and
reservoirs
Figure 1: In Manikdaha, local villagers are harvesting
raised in the village pond. Photo: Practical Action / Jon Hellin
The benefit to low-income farmers is that they are able to invest in fish cultivation when there is
sufficient income, which will then be able to generate additional income and food when other
sources of income are limited.
Much of Bangladesh is flooded annually during the monsoon season as water flows into the
country through the Ganga (Ganges), Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. This provides an extensive
range of habitats for wild and cultivated fish species. Fish catches are highest after the monsoon
rains when supplies of other foods, such as rice, are low. With so much water, fishing plays a
vital role in the economy of rural villages.
Fish farming options
Capital intensive
One of the main trends in fish culture over recent years has been towards capital-intensive, high-
input high-yield systems, which can dramatically improve the rate of production if operated in
ideal conditions.
The development of practical hatching techniques has vastly improved fish cultivation and
allowed careful breeding and selection of desired species to take place. Although these
techniques were introduced to Bangladesh some years ago, it has taken time for them to become
established. Commercially produced fish have become a significant proportion of the total fish
supply.
But intensive cultivation methods increase the cost of fish production beyond the
reach of poorer farmers. Consequently, alternative low-cost approaches have been
promoted by NGOs working in the country.
Practical Action, The Schumacher Centre, Bourton on Dunsmore, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ, UK
T +44 (0)1926 634400 | F +44 (0)1926 634401 | E infoserv@practicalaction.org.uk | W www.practicalaction.org
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Practical Action is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee.
Company Reg. No. 871954, England | Reg. Charity No.247257 | VAT No. 880 9924 76 |
Patron HRH The Prince of Wales, KG, KT, GCB