Preferred Information Sources by Shrimp Farmers in Maharashtra, India

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to study the preferred information
sources by the shrimp farmers in Maharashtra. Data was collected from 151
shrimp farmers from four coastal districts (viz., Palghar-Thane, Raigad,
Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg) in Maharashtra. A pretested interview schedule was
used to collect information from shrimp farmers. Three-point continuum scale was
used to know the preferred sources of information by shrimp farmers and Weighted
Average (WA) technique was used to analyse and rank various information sources
preferred by shrimp farmers. The findings revealed that aqua company
technicians/ input dealers (WA- 88.67) followed by use of internet/social media
(WA- 85.67) were the preferred sources of information. Fisheries
institutions/organizations like college of fisheries, Ratnagiri (WA- 73.00)and ICARCentral Institute of Fisheries Education as well as Marine Product Export
Development Authority (WA- 72.33) were the third and fourth preferred source of
information. Shrimp farmers were relatively better educated and maximum used
mobile phones, therefore, internet / social media-based information exchange can
be used as a viable strategy to provide information and services. It would be better if
private sector, ICT and Government organisations complement each other through
convergence.