Farming systems distribution and characteristics in Nepal

Nepal is a land-locked country. Its fish production is totally dependent on inland water resources. The country is divided into three geographical regions: a high altitude mountain region along the northern belt with colder climatic conditions; a central hilly region with moderate climatic conditions; a low altitude Terai-plain along the southern belt with warmer climatic conditions.

Carp polyculture in ponds is by far the most common and viable aquaculture production system adopted in Nepal and in 2003/2004 made up about 90 percent of the total production of 18 060 tonnes. The major part of the pond fish production takes place in the southern part of the country – the Terai plain – where 94 percent of the fish ponds are located. These ponds cover over 97 percent of the water surface area and account for over 98 percent of the total pond fish production in the country. Data compiled for 2003/2004 showed an average pond fish yield of 3.00 tonnes/ha in Terai plain, which exceeded the national average of 2.96 tonnes/ha and is twice the average yield in the hills and mountains. The key to the growing popularity of the system in Terai is the warmer climatic conditions which are conducive to higher fish growth.

Cage fish culture with herbivorous carps has been confined to lakes of the Pokhara valley in the western hills and the Indrasarober reservoir in the central hills of the country. The system is very popular amongst rural communities. In 2003/2004 this practice covered about 34 000 m3 of cages with an average yield of about 6 kg/m3 of cage. Carp polyculture in enclosures is practiced only in the lakes of Pokhara valley where it is a popular aquaculture activity. It has further emphasized the potential role of lakes for increasing fish production.

Rice-fish culture is one of the earlier initiatives in Nepal and one which has potential. It is mostly practiced in the hills and valleys. It has more recently also started to become popular in the Terai. In 2003/2004 it covered an area of 218 ha. With improved management and careful planning, the practice could be expanded significantly in future.

Fish culture in gholes (marginal agricultural land along irrigated areas, ditches, flood plains and swamps) has been developed for improving the livelihood of rural targeted communities. Fish production activities in such areas also help to promote the ecology of the water bodies. This practice has been mostly concentrated in the Terai. There are about 12 500 ha of gholes available in the country, of which about 1 215 ha have been utilized for fish culture in 2003/2004.

The corridors in the hills and mountains are potential locations for the culture of high-value cold water species such as rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss ). Its technical feasibility has been proven, but the practice has not yet been introduced on a commercial scale.[http://www.fao.org/fishery/countrysector… ]