Inland Aquaculture and Fish Health Management: A Case Study of Sylhet District in Bangladesh

The inland aquaculture of Bangladesh has been intensified recently; however, decreased total inland production was also observed in few regions, including the Sylhet district. Therefore, the study was conducted to assess the condition of inland aquaculture and fish diseases in 36 aquaculture farms (Sylhet, Bangladesh) through questionnaire interviews and focus group discussions among farm stakeholders (n=216). There was no significant Upazilla-wise variation considering different parameters (P>0.05), except expenditure to prevent diseases. However, farms of medium and large size spent high to prevent diseases (P<0.05); this expense seems to make better farming conditions. In contrast, smaller farms were observed to have higher stocking density and production (P<0.05). Though different traditional and commercial chemicals and medicines were applied to prevent diseases and maintain water quality, respondents mentioned outbreaks of several diseases. Most respondents perceived financial help, proper training, and technical support could improve farming practices. Overall, public farms with well trained and experienced managers seemed to have better farming conditions than private farms.