Effect of Freshwater Macrophytes Based Feed on the Performance of Labeo rohita And Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Aquaponics System.

Abstract

Aquaponics, the bio-integration of recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and hydroponic system is an eco-friendly crop production system. Labeo rohita and giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii were cultured in Aquaponics System. Effect of the macrophytes based diet SP-0, SP-30 and SP-40and fishmeal based diet was evaluated on the performance of rohu and prawns. Significantly (P<0.05) higher average final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate was found in Labeo rohita fed with SP-30 diet compared to others. In case of prawns there was no significant (P>0.05) difference among all the treatments. The culture of fish and prawns in Aquaponics Systems reduces the requirements of water compared to the static water system.Aquaponics provides a solution to several sustainability concerns, including limited water supply, pollution, rising fertiliser costs, and soil depletion. This innovative concept will not only address the sustainability but also enhance the economic efficiency with additional productivity.