Application of Costing Techniques in Ornamental Fish Culture

Abstract

Indian fisheries resources need to be properly utilized for more foreign exchange earnings and for upgrading livelihood of ornamental fish farmers and entrepreneurs. Madurai district was purposively chosen as it is marked as an ornamental hub in South Tamil Nadu and offers a huge market for many goods and services including aquarium fishes. The primary data was collected from a random sample of 22 ornamental fish farmers using a pre-tested survey schedule during the year 2002-2003 with an objective of estimating the economics of ornamental fish culture by costplus method in Madurai district. The selected farms were classified into leased (0.37 ha) and nonleased (7.395 ha) farm units. The estimated total variable cost was Rs. 68,42,934 and the total fixed cost was Rs. 18,78,496 constituting total cost of Rs. 87,21,430. Apportioned total cost and total variable cost were used for computing mark-up and net returns for ornamental fishes produced in Madurai district. The estimated total returns and net returns were Rs. 1,11,02,500 and Rs. 23,81,070, respectively. The Benefit Cost Ratio on total cost and total variable cost bases were found as1.27 and 1.62, respectively. Cost function was estimated on both total cost and total variable cost bases. The ornamental fishes which showed higher marginal cost were marked-up to 25% and 50% and the results were recorded.

Assessment of Major Constraints and Income Loss in Ornamental Fish Farms of Madurai District, Tamil Nadu

“…The estimate clearly indicated that major revenue loss in ornamental fish farms were due to disease incidence accompanied by environmental factors and poor water quality management. The loss (80%) due to disease incidence in fish was lower than that reported (90%) by Umamaheswari (2003).The major reason for death of fish as reported in the study could be due to lack of knowledge on scientific farming methods and the same could be evidenced by the study made by Verma (2003), where 48% of fisherwomen lack skill and knowledge on scientific practices of aquaculture in Orissa state. Water quality management is the main factor for the survival of young ones, which otherwise, poor water quality leads to disease infection of death of fish.…”

Economics of ornamental fish farming industry in Madurai District, Tamil Nadu

“…1. The loss (80%) due to disease incidence in fish was lower than that reported (90%) by Umamaheswari (2003). The major reason for the mortality of fish could be lack of knowledge on scientific farming methods and the same was reported by Verma (2003), who reported that 48% of fisherwomen lacked skill and knowledge on scientific practices of aquaculture in Odisha State.…”