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UPSC PRELIMS_POWER PLAY- AGRICULTURE SERIES (Aquaphonics)

 

Aquaponics



  • The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Mohali, developed the  ‘Aquaponics facility’ for aquaponic cultivation of plants.

What is Aquaponics ?

    • Aquaponics refers to any system that combines conventional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as snails, fish, crayfish or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment. 
  • In an Aquaponics system, water from an aquaculture system is fed to a hydroponic system where the by-products are broken down by nitrifying bacteria initially into nitrites and subsequently into nitrates, which are utilized by the plants as nutrients, and the water is then recirculated back to the aquaculture system. 
  • It is a form of agriculture that combines raising fish in tanks (recirculating aquaculture) with soilless plant culture (hydroponics). 
  • It is an emerging technique in which both fishes, as well as the plants, are grown in an integrated manner. 
  • It is a sustainable method of raising both fish and vegetables
  • It is popular with individuals, entrepreneurs, educators, missions and governments.  
  • After the initial set-up costs, an Aquaponics system requires very little in terms of financial input. So growers can reap huge rewards

How does it work? 

  • Fish naturally produce the nutrients that plants need to thrive. In an Aquaponics system, fish are kept in tanks and their waste is collected at the bottom. This waste is then pumped through a filter to make it into ready food for plants. 
  • The plants are set up in ‘grow beds’, which allow the roots of the plants to dangle in water absorbing goodness from the fish waste, while the leafy heads absorb the goodness from sunlight above


Significance

  • The setup cost of aquaponic farms might be higher than conventional farms, but the operational cost is much less. 
  • There is no need for fertilizers and the water requirement is 90% less than that required in conventional farming.
  • Suits greatly to the demand of organic fruits and vegetables.
  • The yield from aquaponics is two times higher than that of conventional farming.
  • However, there remains one restriction that fruits and vegetables which grow underground cannot be grown using aquaponics.
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