The National Research and Development Centre for Riverine and Lake Fisheries (NRDCR&LF), Haa, under the Department of Livestock (DoL), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), is establishing a Flow-Through Decoupled Aquaponic Prototype, which is envisaged to be the first of its kind in Bhutan.

The prototype will integrate rainbow trout aquaculture with soilless crop production through a decoupled system, in which the fish-culture and plant-production components are operated as separate but interconnected units. Water from the trout production system, containing nutrients generated through fish metabolism and feed-derived waste, will be treated and utilized as a nutrient source for plant production. The decoupled configuration will allow the water quality and nutrient requirements of the fish and plants to be managed independently while promoting efficient use of water and nutrients.

The facility will serve as a research, demonstration, and learning platform to assess the technical feasibility, biological performance, water and nutrient utilization efficiency, productivity, operational requirements, and economic viability of the technology under Bhutanese conditions. Key parameters, including fish growth and survival, crop yield, water quality, nutrient dynamics, water use, and system performance, will be monitored and evaluated to generate locally relevant technical knowledge and operational guidelines.

Following successful research validation and demonstration, the proven aquaponic model and appropriate management practices will be adapted and replicated at the field level, particularly among interested farmers, institutions, and other potential users. The initiative is expected to demonstrate the potential of integrated fish and vegetable production as an innovative approach for efficient resource utilization, diversification of production, and sustainable aquaculture-based livelihoods in Bhutan.