Economics of Cage Culture of Fish in Karnataka

Kiran Kumar R Patil; B. Chinnappa; K. C. Shashidhara; H. S. Sowmya

doi:10.56093/ft.v59i3.110091

Authors

Kiran Kumar R Patil University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences Shimoga, Karnataka, India
B. Chinnappa Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga - 577 225
K. C. Shashidhara Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga - 577 225
H. S. Sowmya Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga - 577 225

https://doi.org/10.56093/ft.v59i3.110091

Keywords:

Cage culture, Economics, Fishery

Abstract

Cage culture has emerged as a suitable alternative to fishermen to sustain their livelihood. Cage culture is extensively practiced in Karnataka. The present study aimed at assessment of economics of cage culture in Udupi district of Karnataka. Cage culturing of sea bass and red snapper in two small cages (2S), one small and one large cage (S+L) and two small and one large cage (2S+L) was observed
in the study area. The capital investment was highest in case of 2S+L at Rs. 1,34,380. The total cost
incurred on production of sea bass and red snapper came to Rs. 4,38,885 and Rs. 8,11,939.20 in case of
S+L and 2S+L, respectively. Fishermen following 2S+L was found to be economically successful in terms of net returns (Rs. 233.37/kg and Rs. 122.94/ kg) compared to S+L (Rs. 226.45/kg and Rs. 78.14/ kg) in cage culture of sea bass and red snapper due to the operation of scale economies. The cage system
2S+L was found economically viable but was fraught with constraints in operational and financial management.