Rice-fish farming in southern China sustainably integrates rice and fish, boosting yields, reducing chemicals, and enhancing biodiversity and food security.
In China, fish were introduced into rice fields to help control pests.pic.twitter.com/6I9A0UmTVT
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) September 17, 2025
- Rice-fish farming, a 1,200-year-old practice in southern China, integrates rice cultivation with aquaculture, creating a symbiotic relationship that enhances agricultural sustainability.
- Fish in the rice fields consume pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and improving rice yield by up to 10%.
- The fish’s waste acts as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil and water, which further supports rice growth without the use of chemical fertilizers.
- This method not only increases food security by providing both rice and fish but also improves farmers’ diets with additional protein.
- The United Nations recognizes rice-fish farming as a model for future sustainable agriculture due to its efficiency and eco-friendly nature.
- The practice supports biodiversity, reduces mosquito-borne diseases, and creates a distinctive landscape that can attract tourists, generating additional income for farmers.