Economic-environmental study of the symbiosis pattern of rice with fish and duck in Guilan province

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

2 Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

3 DTU-Technical University of Denmark

Abstract

Rice, as a strategic commodity, constitutes a major share of Iran’s national food basket. Integrated farming systems—such as rice–fish and rice–fish–duck—are considered innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, reducing dependence on chemical inputs through biological interactions. The objective of this study was to comparatively evaluate the economic profitability and environmental impacts of these systems versus rice monoculture. Conducted during the 2022–2023 crop year across six counties in Guilan Province, the research collected data from 361 questionnaires, using convenience sampling for monoculture farmers and a complete census for integrated farming practitioners. Findings indicated the overall superiority of integrated systems. Economically, they provide continuous income streams throughout the year, supporting rural households, while monoculture income remains seasonal. Environmentally, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) showed that diesel fuel consumption was the main contributor to ecological footprints; however, the rice–fish–duck system, benefiting from ducks’ natural aeration, consumed less diesel than the rice–fish system, thus offering greater environmental advantages. Overall, the rice–fish–duck system is recommended as a model that simultaneously enhances economic and environmental sustainability in Guilan’s paddy fields. Its successful implementation requires integrated policymaking, support for low-consumption technologies (e.g., solar-powered aerators), and targeted extension programs.

Keywords

Extended Abstract

Objective

Rice is one of the oldest cultivated crops and serves as the staple food for more than half of the world’s population. It is among the most important agricultural products globally and is cultivated across vast regions of the world. In Iran, rice is the second most consumed agricultural product after wheat and is regarded as a strategic crop within the agricultural sector. Currently, Guilan and Mazandaran provinces are the main rice-producing regions in the country, accounting for approximately 80–82% of domestic rice production. Rice also constitutes a major component of the diet, particularly in northern provinces.

Biological control has emerged as an effective approach to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in rice cultivation. Integrated rice–fish and rice–fish–duck farming systems represent important forms of biological control practiced worldwide. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the economic and environmental performance of these integrated (dual) cropping systems. To this end, the economic profitability and environmental impacts of three cultivation systems—monoculture rice, rice–fish, and rice–fish–duck—were assessed using data collected from 361 questionnaires completed in six cities of Guilan Province, namely Astaneh Ashrafieh, Rasht, Somesara, Lahijan, Fuman, and Rezvanshahr.

 

Materials and Methods

Both documentary and field methods were employed to collect the required data, with questionnaires serving as the main research instrument. This study is classified as applied research in terms of purpose and survey research in terms of data collection. The primary data were gathered during the 2022–2023 cropping seasons through the distribution and completion of questionnaires. Production costs and revenues per hectare were analyzed, and the share of each production input in total costs was determined. Additionally, net income, productivity index, and benefit–cost ratio were calculated. Environmental impacts were evaluated using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach.

 

Results

The results of the economic analysis indicate that integrated cultivation systems outperform monoculture rice farming across all economic indicators. These systems play a significant economic role in improving the livelihoods of rural households and offer long-term economic benefits. In contrast, monoculture rice farming provides only short-term gains and lacks substantial long-term advantages.

Environmental assessment results revealed that diesel fuel input is a critical factor influencing the environmental performance of integrated cropping systems and should therefore receive particular attention in environmental policy-making. Moreover, the rice–fish–duck system consumed less diesel fuel compared to the rice–fish system, mainly due to the presence of ducks in the field, which reduces the need for mechanical operations. Consequently, the rice–fish–duck system demonstrated superior environmental performance.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, rice–fish–duck co-cultivation represents an efficient and multifunctional use of paddy fields, enabling farmers to simultaneously produce three products within the same land unit. When implemented according to proper technical and managerial principles, this system can significantly enhance farmers’ production and income while reducing environmental pollution and improving overall environmental sustainability.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed equally to the conceptualization of the article and writing of the original and subsequent drafts.

Data Availability Statement

Data available on request from the authors.

Acknowledgements

This work is based upon research funded by the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) under project No. 4044603.

Ethical considerations

This study was derived from a research project (Grant No. 4044603) scientifically approved by the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF). The research protocol was reviewed and approved as part of the INSFs grant evaluation process. All materials and methods were performed in accordance with the instructions and regulations and this research has been approved by a committee at the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF), Iran. The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct.

Conflict of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.

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Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research
Volume 56, Issue 3
February 2026
Pages 213-228

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