Development of shrimp-based cropping systems in the coastal area of Bangladesh: a village-level study in Satkhira district

The introduction of shrimp (Penaeus monodon Fabricius) cultivation represents an important change in land use resulting in cropping system changes along the south-western coast of Bangladesh. This study conducted a systematic survey of farming systems in a village in this coastal area. The results reveal that the cropping system in medium lowland parts of the village has been changed from that of an entirely rice-based one to Boro rice and shrimp-based one. Most local farmers (77.7% of households covering 84.4% of the total cultivated land area) are practicing Boro rice-shrimp cropping, encouraged by the readily available input resources for shrimp cultivation and the economic profitability. Farmers have established a modified semi-intensive shrimp farming system based on their needs and local conditions. In addition to its economic importance, shrimp farming also helps to establish good social bonds among villagers. However, this system is also leading to increasing soil salinity in the medium lowlands, where Boro rice is grown during the winter, which may create problems for rice culture in future.