Farmer selection

A total of 60 farmers have selected from two Upazila (sub-district). The assigned Manager (Fisheries) has selected these farmers. All these farmers are the members of RDRS organized groups having ponds. The average water body per farmer is 0.08 ha. From the selected farmers, 5 farmers have been changed due to field situation.

Baseline survey

The baseline survey for the selected farmers has been completed. An objectively developed format has been used for conducting this survey. The survey shows that average pond production is 1101 kg/ha (1.1 t/ha) and the gross income Tk 57,477/ha. The production costs were not mentioned in the format. Rainwater is the main source of pond water, which becomes less during January – February. Only 35% of the farmers have had training in fish culture for 1-3 days from any organization.

The gross annual income per farmer was found to be Tk 44,353. Farmers have a total average of 0.73 ha of cultivable land. The main crop is rice; some farmers are engaged with small businesses, taking loans from the RDRS. The survey shows that farmers also have other income that is from homestead sales like seasonal vegetables, betel nuts, etc. The main annual income comes from rice cultivation, cattle rearing, fish and household small businesses. These baseline data will help to evaluate project impact at the end of the AwF-RDRS project..    

Training

During the second half of April 2007, pond-side training was arranged. Pond preparation and stocking were the topics. In 4 groups (15 in each group) these trainings have been conducted. The Managers (Fisheries) themselves conducted this training. Farmers show their interest in this project. This pond-side training will also help neighboring pond owners who are willing to participate in the session.  

Materials supply

RDRS has developed booklets on fish culture and distributed one copy for each farmer. This is a ready reference for the framers. In addition, a pond record book has developed and given to all farmers, which will note all the recurring costs, production levels, family consumption, growth monitoring status on different pages. These pond books will provide actual production records of this project. The project people will put their visiting records like suggestions and actions in the pond book.

Constraints

This year very poor rainfall occurred during March –April 2007. This delayed stocking. However, during the second week of May, reasonable rainfalls made farmers happy for stocking.

Conclusion

Farmers’ selection and training have completed. The achievement will depend on proper stocking and post stocking management of fish. Pond side training and regular follow up will encourage farmers towards good harvests.