A Techno- Economic Analysis of Improved Fish Seed Rearing Practice through Application of Seaweed Extract

Abstract

The present study was carried out with the objective of comparing various technical parameters and profitability in the adoption of traditional and improved methods of carp seed rearing practices. While cow dung was used as manure in traditional method, it took fourteen days for plankton development with a formation of 0.5 feet sludge and black soil. On the other hand, in the improved method of seed rearing practice, the pond fertilized with seaweed extract, a composition of extract of seaweed and few microbial combinations and probiotics resulted in plankton development within four days with no incidence of black soil and ammonia formation. Moreover, considerable amount of water along with electricity charges were also saved in improved method. The stocking density and crop cycles per year was increased from 10 to 30 lakhs seeds and 3 to 5 cycles respectively. The improved method had 30% increase in production and the estimation of profitability showed a higher BCR (1.60:1) over the traditional method, (1.08:1) ultimately resulting in higher profit margin for the farmers.