Sarwer, Md Golam, Md Yusuf Ali, Shuva Bhowmik, Md Asadujjaman, and Mst S. Sharmin
Abstract
The present study was conducted in Subarnachar upazila under Noakhali district of Bangladesh to know the livelihood status of fish farmers with emphasis on pond fish culture. The survey was conducted on 50 fish farmers from April to November 2011. Data were collected through personal visit and questionnaire interview. Secondary data was collected from Upazilla Fisheries Officer. Pond size of the area was 0.24 ha where 64% of the farm operators having ponds of single ownership, 32% having ponds of multi-ownership and 4% having of lease ponds. Percentages of small, medium, large and very large ponds were 26, 38, 28 and 8 respectively, whereas 48% of the ponds were seasonal and 52% are perennial. Polyculture of Indian major carps and exotic carps have been practiced by most of the farmers. Average stocking density was 14,171 fry/ha and the average annual yield of fish was found to be 2,233.18 kg/ha. The average fish production cost was BDT 54,309.6/ha/yr. The average return and net profit were BDT 156,322.6 and BDT 102,013 successively. Although the living condition of the rural fish farmers were poor, livelihood status was found positive and 94% of the farmers have improved their status through fish farming. In the study areas the highest percentage (34%) of fish farmers earned BDT 75,000-100,000 per year. Among the fish farmers 15% was illiterate whereas 19, 31, 14, 12 and 9 percent were educated up to primary, secondary and higher secondary and bachelor level, respectively. In the present study it was found that 42%, 22%, 18%, 8% and 10% of the respondents were related to agriculture, business, service, day labour and fish culture as their principal occupation. Though, lack of adequate fund (48%), lack of technical knowledge (26%) and multi-ownership (12%) were reported as major constraints in study area. It is therefore pond culture is a potential approach for their better livelihood.