Abstract
The origins of aquaculture in peri-urban Kolkata are described, and technical aspects of prevailing management regimes reviewed, including: the composition of species cultured; sources of water, including wastewater, used for culture; and feed, fertilizer and chemical application rates. Indian major carps and tilapia dominate production. However, several factors influence stocking regimes on individual farms. The nature of fish seed supply chains in the region is discussed. Employment practices, the role of labour unions and the livelihoods of those who depend either directly or indirectly on peri-urban aquaculture are presented. Employment in various capacities constitutes an important benefit of peri-urban aquaculture for poor people. However, labour unions are influential in setting terms and conditions, which largely dictate the widespread strategy of frequent stocking and harvesting. This in turn results in regular employment for those engaged in servicing the sector - for example, hatchery workers, seed traders, fish carriers and retail traders - and a year round supply of small, affordable fish to markets serving poor consumers. According to farmers, constraints threatening the viability of peri-urban aquaculture include uncertain wastewater supplies, high input costs, limited access to credit, poaching, disease and pest problems, inflexible labour arrangements and siltation of fishponds and feeder canals. Action to address such problems may help improve yields, and in doing so contribute to sustaining a number of poor livelihoods. However, action is also required to enable poor people to further diversify their livelihood strategies, and where necessary, or prudent, remove their reliance on insecure returns from natural resource-based activities.