Economics of Leased Out Ponds of Fish in Navsari District of South Gujarat

Though traditionally a vegetarian state, Gujarat has shown a tremendous development in inland culture fisheries over the last three decades. The growth is admirable in spite of popular resistance to fish culture. This study was undertaken to know the impact of state Government policy to enhance economic condition of fish farmers. The sample size consist of all 55 village ponds functioning in Navsari district. The inland fish production in Gujarat, though have ups and down from 1971–72 to 2011–12, it has an upward trend in general. It was 14, 167 MT in 197172, which has been increased to 91, 231 MT in 2011–12. The total working cost was ‘ 106215 per hectare. Under the total working cost feed cost was the major item of variable cost by sharing 44.62 per cent, followed by seed charges (25.40%), harvesting charges (17.73%), contractual staff and labour charges (3.26%), etc. The average production of fish was 1, 806 kg/ha. and feed conversion ratio was found to 1.17: 1 which is relatively good. Fish growers was mostly satisfied towards training, selling of fish, provide technical information, timely payment, availability of seeds, received remunerative price, disease problem, availability of labour, credit availability, and sufficient and timely financial aid provided by fisheries department. Average fish price remains about ‘ 110 per kg. due its persistent demand.