STATUS OF AQUACULTURE AND LIVELIHOOD OF FISH FARMER IN GOLAPGONJ UPAZILA UNDER SYLHET DISTRICT

Abstract

The fish farming systems and livelihoods of rural fish farmers in Golapgonj upazila under Sylhet district was studied from July 2013 to December, 2013. A total of 100 fish farmers were interviewed with a well-structured questionnaire. The survey reveals that average pond size was 0.14 ha with 81% of the farmers having ponds of single ownership and 19% having ponds of multiple-ownership. Polyculture of Indian major carps and exotic carps has been practiced by most of the farmers. In the study areas, 45% of the ponds were seasonal and 55% perennial. Fish fingerlings were stocked from April to July and average stocking density was 19147 fingerlings/ha. The average use of organic fertilizer (mainly cow dung), urea and TSP were 2776 kg/ha, 264 kg/ha and 177 kg/ha, respectively. The average annual yield of fish was found to be 2100 kg/ha. The average fish production cost was Tk. 90,252/ha/yr. The gross income and net profit were Tk. 1, 68,750 and Tk. 78,498/ha/yr respectively. It was found that the average cost benefit-ratio was 1.86. Although the living condition of the rural fish farmers were moderate, livelihood outcomes were found positive and 90% of the farmers have improved their socioeconomic conditions through fish farming. 10% of the fish farmers could not improve their socioeconomic

condition significantly from their involvement in fish farming. The constraints for sustainable pond fish farming in the areas were lack of technical knowledge of the farmers, disease of fishes, insufficient water in dry season, higher production cost (mainly seeds and feed), insufficient supply of fry

and fingerlings, lack of money, lack of manpower, iron in water, lack of marketing facilities, theft of fish, lack of credit facilities and inadequate extension services. The households have broadly improved their food consumption, family education, standards of living, purchasing power, choice and economic ability through fish farming. It is therefore essential to provide the necessary training facilities with institutional and organizational supports, credit facilities and extension services for sustainable fish production and livelihoods of rural fish farmers.