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Analysis and Prospects of the Economic, Social and Environmental Sustainability Benefits of the Integrated Rice–Aquaculture Farming System in China

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  • Wei Zhang

    (Basin Water Environmental Research Department, Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China
    Hubei Provincial Key Lab of Basin Water Resource and Eco-Environmental Science, Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China)

  • Chan Yu

    (Basin Water Environmental Research Department, Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China
    Hubei Provincial Key Lab of Basin Water Resource and Eco-Environmental Science, Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China)

  • Zhenhua Wang

    (Basin Water Environmental Research Department, Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China
    Hubei Provincial Key Lab of Basin Water Resource and Eco-Environmental Science, Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China)

  • Yanping Hu

    (Basin Water Environmental Research Department, Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China
    Hubei Provincial Key Lab of Basin Water Resource and Eco-Environmental Science, Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China)

  • Cheng Han

    (Basin Water Environmental Research Department, Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China
    Hubei Provincial Key Lab of Basin Water Resource and Eco-Environmental Science, Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China)

  • Meng Long

    (Basin Water Environmental Research Department, Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China
    Hubei Provincial Key Lab of Basin Water Resource and Eco-Environmental Science, Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China)

Abstract

The integrated rice–aquaculture farming system (IRAFS), which combines rice cultivation with aquaculture, is a crucial strategy for improving economic efficiency, ecological sustainability, and social welfare. This model has been widely adopted across most regions of China, recognized for its sustainability and environmental benefits. The study analyzes the economic, social and environmental benefits of the current integrated rice–aquaculture integrated farming practices while assessing its market prospects. It identifies key limitations in existing models, particularly regarding water conservation, pollution reduction and system performance. Additionally, the study highlights future research directions and offers actionable recommendations to fully leverage the development potential of IRAFS. Through comparative analysis, this study identifies shortcomings in current water-saving and emission-reduction practices. It proposes an integrated model to balance grain production, environmental benefits, and economic returns. The aim is to provide theoretical support for enhancing agricultural quality and efficiency while promoting sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei Zhang & Chan Yu & Zhenhua Wang & Yanping Hu & Cheng Han & Meng Long, 2025. "Analysis and Prospects of the Economic, Social and Environmental Sustainability Benefits of the Integrated Rice–Aquaculture Farming System in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:21:p:9372-:d:1776819
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lingjun Wang & Jian Chen, 2024. "Economic and Social Benefits of Aquavoltaics: A Case Study from Jiangsu, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-17, October.
    2. Luo, Qiyue & Dai, Ranxin & Zhao, Lufeng & Zhang, Taojie & Ye, Junlong & Tang, Jianjun & Hu, Liangliang & Chen, Xin, 2025. "Traditional rice-fish system benefits sustainable production of small farms and conservation of local resources," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 228(C).
    3. Ye, Yanqiong & Bai, Hui & Zhang, Jiaen & Sun, Daolin, 2024. "A comparative analysis of ecosystem service values from various rice farming systems: A field experiment in China," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).
    4. Tu, Vo Hong & Kopp, Steven W. & Trang, Nguyen Thuy & Hong, Nguyen Bich & Yabe, Mitsuyasu, 2021. "Land accumulation: An option for improving technical and environmental efficiencies of rice production in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
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