Mussel Farming in Kavvayi, Southwest India: Economic Analysis and Socio-Cultural Insights on Women Farmers

Thekke Anidil Keerthana; Ashwini Gopi; B. Manoj Kumar; G. B. Sreekanth; V. Chandrasekhar; C. V. Asha; Chitra Soman; K Dinesh

doi:10.56093/ft.v62i4.167817

Authors

Keerthana T. A. Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi-682 506, India
Ashwini Gopi Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi-682 506, India
Manoj Kumar B. Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi-682 506, India
Sreekanth G. B. ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa-403 402, India
Chandrasekhar V. ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi, India
Asha C. V. Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi-682 506, India
Chitra Soman College of Fisheries, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Payyanur-670 307, India
Dinesh K. Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi-682 506, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ft.v62i4.167817

Keywords:

Perna viridis, mussel farming, Kavvayi wetland, economic evaluation, benefit-cost ratio, Mytella strigata

Abstract

Mussel farming is a breadwinning activity in the northern coastal districts of Kerala. The only species commercially cultivated in the region is the green mussel, Perna viridis. This study focused on the economic evaluation of mussel farming in the Kavvayi estuarine wetland. The survey analyzed the economic efficiency of mussel rack farms in the area. The benefit-cost ratio (BC ratio) was used to
compute the financial viability, which was estimated as 1.56. At present, the invasion of the alien mussel species, Mytella strigata is a serious concern to the mussel farming sector. Proper management measures to control their invasion are yet to be identified.