PROFITABILITY AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT OF PABDA FISH PRODUCTION IN MYMENSINGH DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

In Bangladesh, the fish farming sector has the potential to achieve self-sufficiency in the food sector and to reduce poverty. It is necessary to increase fish production and more participation of women eventually increases fish production. The main objective of the present study was profitability and women empowerment of Pabda fish production in Bangladesh. Data were collected from 100 Pabda fish farmers in two villages namely, Koltapara and Ramgopalpur villages of Gouripur Upazilla under Mymensingh district where an adequate amount of Pabda farms were available. Data were collected by using a pre-tested interview schedule. The study found that gross return was Tk 2265088.73/hectare, net return Tk 988425.11 /hectare, gross margin was Tk 1110491.20 /hectare. BCR based on variable cost was 1.96, and BCR based on total cost was 1.77 which indicated that Pabda fish production was profitable in the study area. The study found that fingerling cost, salt and lime cost, feed cost, medicine cost, and water pumping cost had a significant impact on Pabda fish production. Production efficiency of Pabda fish was 96 percent. The study found that farmers wives involved in different agricultural activities including Pabda fish production. Women in Pabda fish farming still need to be empowered more and trained to enhance their capabilities and involved in Pabda fish system production. In this study number of problems were also identified which were classified as technical problems, economic problems, and social problems during Pabda fish farming. Some policy recommendations were also given at the end of the study which will be helpful to the Pabda fish.