FINANCIAL PROFITABILITY OF CARP POLYCULTURE IN SOME SELECTED AREAS OF MYMENSINGH DISTRICT

Abstract

This study was conducted in two Upazila namely; Bhaluka and Trishal of Mymensingh district. A total of 100 carp polyculture farms were selected randomly and fish farmers were interviewed from May, 2017 to September, 2018 to know the socio-economic status and determination of costs, returns, profitability and resource use productivity of the farmers practicing carp polyculture. A simple cost and return analysis was done to determine the profitability of carp polyculture. Apart from this, some tabular analyses were also done to achieve the major objectives of the study. The findings revealed that middle age (36-45) farmers were most involved in this occupation and most of respondents were secondary educated (45%). Medium families were higher (73%) in the studied area and only 45.55% respondents were involved in their primary occupation. Almost all fishermen received training facilities from DoF, NGOs or other organizations. Majority fishermen had own pond and land properties of 77% and 71%, respectively. 49% respondents had half buildings; 73% respondents used drinking water from their own tube-well and 56% fishermen used slab sanitary facilities. But the study revealed that carp polyculture was a profitable business. It was found that the average annual gross return per hectare per year was assessed Tk.1,37,745.00. Gross margin was estimated Tk. 83,762.00 per hectare and Net returns were estimated at Tk. 70,845.00 per hectare per year where as average cost-benefit ratio was recorded 2.36: 2.23. Most of the resources (inputs) were inefficiently utilized in the carp polyculture. The finding of the study clearly indicates that fingerlings cost and feed cost have significant effects on fish production and most of the farmers used excess human labour.