Impact Assessment of Floating and Alternative Feeds (Wolffia globosa) for Fish Rearing Technologies in Tripura, India

Lajit Kumar Sharma; Biswajit Lahiri; Yumlembam Jackie Singh; Gusheinzed Waikhom; Pradyut Biswas; Hoilenting; Pavan Kumar S. T.; Abhay Kumar Chandegara; Martina Meinam

doi:10.48165/IJEE.2025.61419

Authors

Lajit Kumar Sharma Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Biswajit Lahiri Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2225-3028
Yumlembam Jackie Singh Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Gusheinzed Waikhom Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Pradyut Biswas Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Hoilenting Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
S. T. Pavan Kumar Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Abhay Kumar Chandegara Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Martina Meinam Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2025.61419

Keywords:

Aquaculture, Alternative feed, Floating feed, Impact assessment, Wolffia

Abstract

The study assessed the social, economic, and environmental impacts of floating feed– and Wolffia-based fish rearing technologies disseminated by the College of Fisheries, CAU (Imphal), Lembucherra, Tripura. An after-only design was employed with 140 respondents: 100 floating feed adopters chosen through simple random sampling and 40 Wolffia adopters through complete enumeration. Impact indicators across social, economic, and environmental domains were developed using SMART criteria, expert-validated, and analysed with the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, paired t-tests, and Spearman’s correlation. Floating feed adoption improved production (+16.75 kg cycle⁻¹), net returns (+Rs. 6,644.26), and feed efficiency [Apparent feed conversion ratio (AFCR) –0.23], raising the Economic Impact Score from 32.93 to 40.23 (p = 0.000). Social participation, awareness, and income increased, while the Environmental Impact Score fell from 23.996 to 19.146, reflecting improved water quality. Wolffia adoption also enhanced production (+18.48 kg cycle⁻¹), returns (+Rs. 4,804.35), and AFCR (–0.25), contributing to livelihoods, nutrition, and climate-resilient aquaculture. Major constraints included high floating feed price, supplier dependence, flood-induced losses, and weak extension support. Overall, both technologies boosted aquaculture productivity, profitability, and sustainability, highlighting the need for technical services, training, and institutional support.

Author Biographies

Lajit Kumar Sharma, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India

PG Scholar, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Biswajit Lahiri, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India

Professor, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Yumlembam Jackie Singh, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India

Assistant Professor, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Gusheinzed Waikhom, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India

Professor, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Pradyut Biswas, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India

Associate Professor, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Hoilenting, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India

Assistant Professor, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
S. T. Pavan Kumar, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India

Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Sciences, College of Community Science, Sangsanggre, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Abhay Kumar Chandegara, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India

PhD Scholar, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India
Martina Meinam, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India

PhD Scholar, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, India

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