Business Opportunity of Freshwater Ornamental Fish Breeding: A Case Study in Tripura, India

Abstract

The state of Tripura contributes to the bulk of ornamental fish exports from northeast, but remains unexplored for developing market opportunities. Several business opportunities can be explored through systematic collection and marketing of native ornamental fish as well as rearing of exotic ornamental fish species suitable in the state. In view of these, the present study has analysed the business opportunity of exotic ornamental fish breeding in Agartala, Tripura. The study also analysed constraints faced by the ornamental fish farms in the state viz., inadequate infrastructural facilities (65.62%), heavy investment in the initial stage (60.12%), lack of government incentives (57.5%) and non availability of good quality brood fish (54.25%). The study revealed that some initiatives by the government like providing incentives to establish ornamental fish production unit and considerable private investment can be attracted to this industry, which would generate additional employment opportunities.