The Research and Development Team of PSFI aims to develop new and innovative methods to increase livelihood opportunities and income for communities. In 2019, the team initiated the development of a semi-commercial backyard aquaponic model. The study aims to investigate the production performance for both vegetable crops and aquaculture in the system. Economic feasibility of the system is a primary consideration as marker for potential livelihood.

Aquaponics is a sustainable method of raising both fish and vegetables. This type of indoor farming is becoming more and more popular becau one grows considerably more food with less water, land, and labor than traditional agriculture. It is a combination of recirculating aquaculture (raising fish in tanks) and hydroponics (soilless plant culture). In aquaponics, the nutrient-rich water from raising fish provides a natural fertilizer for the plants, the plants in turn help purify the water for the fish. Aquaponics can be used to sustainably raise fresh fish and vegetables for a family, to feed a village, or to generate profit in a commercial farming venture, year-round and in any climate.

Modifications were done to improve the semi-commercial backyard aquaponic model to accommodate data from previous cropping cycles suggesting the potentials of the system.