Small and medium-scale aquaculture in West Bengal has evolved to incorporate cost-effective, sustainable practices that reduce input costs while maintaining productivity. This article explores various low-cost aquaculture techniques used by rural fish farmers, emphasising farm-made feed formulations, pond fertilisation methods, and integrated farming systems. Farmers utilise non-conventional feed additives to enhance fish health and growth while reducing reliance on expensive commercial products. Fermented feed supplements and probiotic formulations have been successfully implemented to improve water quality and plankton production.

Integrated fish farming, incorporating compost manure, vermicomposting, and polyculture with species like giant freshwater prawn, has increased productivity and economic returns. The use of farm-made fish feed, tailored to different species, optimises nutrition while minimising costs. Traditional knowledge, combined with modern aquaculture techniques, has led to the refinement of extensive and semi-intensive systems that provide satisfactory returns for smallholder farmers. The article highlights the role of farmer innovation in sustaining the economic viability of rural aquaculture in West Bengal.