Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Socio-economic analysis of finfish culture in cages in coastal waters of Kerala, southwest coast of India

Volume 62 Issue 1

K. C. Vineetha Valsalan, V. Kripa, Shelton Padua, R. Narayanakumar and P. Vysakhan

doi:10.6024/jmbai.2020.62.1.2122-06

Abstract

Cage culture of finfish is becoming a popular alternate source of livelihood in Vembanad Lake in Kerala, India. A study was conducted during November to December, 2016 to assess the socio-economic status of the farmers practicing cage culture in Kerala and the resultant economic benefits. Data on demographic features, farming activities, specific culture and farm management practices, economics and problems related to cage farming were collected from 36 active farmers of the Ernakulam District. Etroplus suratensis (Pearl spot), Lates calcarifer (Asian sea bass) and Genetically Improved Farm Tilapia (GIFT) were the major species cultured. Among the farmers practicing cage culture, 94.5 per cent of ownership was by males, but female participation (56%) in managing the cage was almost equal to that of males (44%) and all respondents were literate. High growth rate of L. calcarifer and the higher market price of E. suratensis made these as the most preferred species for farming. Economic efficiency of the two systems i.e., cage stocked with E. suratensis (CE) and the cage stocked with L. calcarifer (CL) was compared using the economic indicators such as net profit, rate of return, un-discounted benefit to cost (B:C) ratio and pay-back period. Even though the net profit was more for CL, undiscounted B:C ratio was same for both systems (CE=3.38 and CL=3.39).

Keywords

Cage culture, Vembanad Lake, economic efficiency, mariculture

Date : 20-05-2020