An analysis of consumer preference towards aquatic products in Tamilnadu

Fisheries form an important sector of the Indian economy. Both as a nutritive food item for internal consumption and as a commodity that can earn foreign exchange, its importance is well known. In the marine sector, fish are procured from 2244 landing centres located all along the 8085 km of coast line. The supply from inland sector is also scattered which is obtained from 27, 000 km of rivers, 1, 13, 000 km of canals, 1.75 million hectares of tanks, ponds and derelict water spread area. The total fish production during 1992–93 was estimated at 4.04 million tonnes, 2.24 million tonnes from marine sector against the estimated potential yield of 3.9 million tonnes and 1.8 million tonnes from the inland sector against the estimated potential of 4.0 million tonnes. The present study seeks to address this question through a survey targeting college students (undergraduates or post graduates) to investigate their family and personal consumption preferences on aquatic products. The statistical sources and consumer survey data combined with the perception of Indian food culture to analyze food consumption and preference, and to understand the consumption status and trends of India‘s aquatic market.