Economic Evaluation of Fish Farming Practices in the Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam

Fish farming practices in the central Brahmaputra valley zone of Assam have been reviewed based on the primary data collected through a sample of 150 progressive farmers during 2010–11. The study has revealed that vertically expanded farming systems like single stocking multiple harvesting (SSMH) and multiple stocking multiple harvesting (MSMH) are predominant in the study area. From field level experience it was found that multiple stocking multiple harvesting was popular due to its nature of providing year-round income to the farmers. The cost structure of different farming systems has revealed that per unit operating cost was highest in the case of marginal farmers of the MSMH practice, followed by small farmers of MSMH and marginal farmers of SSMH. The multiple regression analysis, performed to determine input-output relationship of different farming systems has revealed that in most farming systems variations in output were quite significantly described by independent factors (seed, feed, labour, manure, fertilizer and lime) and those were taken for consideration except MSMH systems. Unregulated market, unavailability of good quality seed, unavailability of competent extension personnel and disease outbreaks were the major constraints faced by the farmers. The study has made certain recommendations to increase fish production in the study area.