The evolution of the blue-green revolution of rice-fish cultivation for sustainable food production

Despite an increase in food production due to the green revolution of agriculture and corresponding to the blue revolution of aquaculture, the challenge of feeding an ever-increasing global population remains. Concerns have been raised about the environmental sustainability, food productivity, and social responsibility of the blue revolution. Similarly, the green revolution has received criticism for its socioeconomic and environmental impacts. A blue-green revolution of integrated rice-fish cultivation offers a solution to the issues of environmental sustainability, food productivity, and socioeconomic benefits. Combining the blue revolution (aquaculture) and the green revolution (agriculture), integrated rice-fish cultivation would provide a form of sustainable intensification that able to produce more food from the same area of land and water without or less environmental impacts. Compared to rice monoculture, rice-fish coculture could increase by up to 27% of total production. The integration of other crops (e.g., cattle, ducks, and vegetables) could increase a diverse food production. However, water management is one of the potential challenges for rice-fish culture. Further research with the collaboration of major stakeholders is needed to address water management for the wider adoption of rice-fish cultivation.