Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

This is a spin off from another topic, Cyara suggested making a thread on rice-fish culture.

The viability of commercial systems is often discussed, however it usually revolves around relatively high tech operations in 'developed' countries.

The practice of rice fish culture is increasing common is Asia and Africa. Fish are used to help fertilize rice fields, control insects/weeds and provide extra food/income. Sometimes vegetables are also grown along with the rice.

I don't know much about this, it was something I heard mentioned a while ago and have just googled for info. In some case fertilizer is added, while in others the fish provide enough.

Rice-fish culture seems to be the most sustainable AP system, in some case even pumps aren't used.

I had heard of a method on sloping ground with rice fields in the middle and ponds above and below (after a quick search I'm unable to find any info on this). This gave me the idea to create a similar system growing vegetables. The ponds and GBs would be sealed with clay.

Below is some info, a quick search will provide more:
http://www.bdfish.co.cc/feature/culture-fisheries/integrated-fish-farming-rice-fish.htm
http://icargoa.res.in/rice_fish.htm#Preparation%20of%20Rice%20filed
http://www.agnet.org/library/pt/2002017/

you need a huge area, most people aren't lucky enough to even have a backyard these days let alone enough for a rice paddy. on a commercial scale there is no question it works, most of the world is fed that way.