Integrated Aquaponics System by Combining Japanese Cucumber Cultivation with Efficient Hybrid Catfish Farming for Enhanced Farmer Quality of Life

Abstract

Farmers are currently facing the challenge of inadequate water quality in aquaculture, which negatively impacts the health of aquatic animals and their growth and survival rates. To address this issue, this study aims to assess the potential of raising hybrid catfish using an aquaponics system. The approach involves cultivating fish in a recirculating water system while growing Japanese cucumbers over 14 weeks. The treatment started with a hybrid catfish with an initial body weight of approximately 10 g and a length of 10 cm. They were fed according to a protocol using commercially prepared pellet feed, administered twice daily (morning and evening). The findings of the study revealed that the combined yield of hybrid catfish and Japanese cucumbers per production cycle was 112 and 3.20 kilograms, respectively. Additionally, the aquaponics recirculating system was found to efficiently utilize resources and promote the growth of both plants and fish. This integrated system offers a solution to wastewater management challenges in aquaculture, reduces associated costs, and enhances the value of wastewater by implementing aquaponics. A financial feasibility analysis was conducted to evaluate the economic viability of the hybrid catfish farming method. The analysis considered production costs, benefits, and discount rates, revealing positive net present values, benefit-to-cost ratios exceeding 1, and internal rates of return surpassing the cost of financing. This analysis underscores the feasibility and commendability of adopting hybrid catfish farming with aquaponics. Furthermore, it is highly suitable for developing and promoting small-scale or household-level businesses. Participants who underwent practical training in the “Aquaponics Fish Farming” course expressed great satisfaction and the ability to seamlessly integrate fish farming with crop cultivation.