Technical Efficiency of Fish Farms in West Bengal: Nature, Extent and Implications^§

In this study, undertaken in West Bengal, the concept of meta-frontier data envelopment analysis (DEA) has been carried out to examine whether there is any systematic difference in the technical efficiency (TE) of fish farms of different size-classes categorized on various socio-economic conditions. Efforts have also been made to identify the influence of those characteristics on TE score using regression analysis. The study has revealed that the overall mean TE is 62.8 per cent, which indicates that on average, the realized fish output can be raised by 37 per cent in the state with the existing technology and resources. Wide variations in TE scores have been found when farms were categorized on the basis of size, region, ownership pattern or proprietorship. The farm experience, ownership and sole proprietorship are the most important determinants of TE. However, pond size and education have not depicted any significant relationship with TE. In order to improve the efficiency of fish culture, location-specific development strategies, long-term leasing policies, and participatory extension support should be adopted in West Bengal.