Aquaponics boosts ecology, economy in Zhejiang

Aquaponics, a method of growing fish and vegetables in a closed water system, has been sprouting up in recent years in Deqing county of Zhejiang province.

In an aquaponics system, fish waste — which decomposes in circulating water — provides nutrients for plants, while the plants help purify the water to keep the fish healthy. It achieves a harmonious ecological balance between plants, animals and microorganisms.

Since this ecological agriculture project landed in Deqing in 2018, it is estimated to have produced an output of 100,000 kilograms of fish and 400,000 to 500,000 kilograms of vegetables per year.

With the help of rapidly developing intelligent agriculture, the system has improved the efficiency of agriculture and raised farmers' incomes.