The Biobrio 12(3&4), 2025

Significance of Azolla rice fish aggregate forming system for sustainable agriculture

Nikhil Agnihotri & Prasanjit Mukherjee

ABSTRACT:

The Azolla-Rice-Fish integrated farming system represents a time-tested, ecologically harmonious, and economically viable approach to sustainable agriculture. In an era of increasing pressure on natural resources, climate variability, and declining soil fertility, this tri-component system provides a multifaceted solution by combining biological nitrogen fixation, natural pest control, and diversified farm income. Azolla, a floating water fern rich in nitrogen-fixing Anabaena azollae, plays a critical role in improving soil fertility and reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers. When integrated into flooded paddy fields, Azolla not only enriches the soil but also serves as a supplementary feed for fish and acts as a bio-barrier to suppress weed growth. The inclusion of fish such as carp or tilapia adds a layer of productivity and ecological balance, as fish help control mosquito larvae and enhance nutrient cycling through their excreta. The synergy of Azolla, rice, and fish promotes a closed-loop nutrient system, reduces environmental degradation, and enhances farmer resilience through diversified income streams. This paper evaluates the ecological, agronomic, and socio-economic significance of the Azolla-Rice-Fish aggregate system. It synthesizes findings from recent studies, field trials, and traditional practices, particularly in Asian agrarian contexts, to highlight the system's potential as a model for regenerative and climate-resilient agriculture.

Keywords:    

Azolla-Rice-Fish integrated farming, Anabaena azollae, paddy fields

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