Comparative Assessment of Feeding Regimens on the Performance of Composite Fish Culture in Tribal Villages of Tripura

This study evaluated three feeding strategies in composite fish culture (CFC) systems in tribal villages of Tripura to enhance aquaculture productivity. Fifteen farmer ponds (0.08 ha each) were utilized with three treatments in five replicates: conventional feed (CF: rice polish and mustard oil cake 1:1), floating pelleted feed (FPF), and combination feeding (COM: CF and FPF). Indian major carps were stocked at 10,000 fingerlings/ha with species composition of Catla catla (40%), Labeo rohita (30%), and Cirrhinus mrigala (30%). Feeding rates were progressively reduced from 5% of fish biomass in initial two months to 1% in final two months over a 10-month culture period. Fish production was significantly higher (P<0.05) in COM treatment (4.2±0.12 MT/ha) followed by FPF (3.8±0.08 MT/ha) and CF (3.2±0.06 MT/ha). Feed conversion ratio was most efficient in COM (2.1±0.05) compared to FPF (2.4±0.06) and CF (3.1±0.08). Economic analysis revealed highest net profit in COM treatment (¹ 4,49,000±18,750 per hectare) with benefit-cost ratio of 2.6±0.07. The combination feeding strategy demonstrated superior performance by optimizing feed utilization efficiency while maintaining cost-effectiveness. These findings suggest that alternating feeding regimen can significantly enhance fish productivity in tribal aquaculture systems, providing a sustainable approach for livelihood improvement in northeastern India.