Economic Analysis of Inland Fish Production in Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka

Indian fisheries and aquaculture is an important sector of food production, providing nutritional security to the food basket, contributing to the agricultural exports and engaging about 14 million people in different activities. The present study was aimed to analyze economic and financial feasibility of inland fish production in Vijayapur and Bagalkote districts of northern dry zone of Karnataka. Primary data required for the study was collected from 60 sample farmers, 30 from each district in the study area for the year 2018-19. Financial feasibility tools (Pay Back Period, Net Present Values, Internal Rate of Returns and Benefit-Cost Ratio) were used to fulfill the specific objective. The total capital investment in inland fish farming of per pond was Rs.73309. The total cost involved for fish production was highest in Vijayapur district Rs.46782.28/pond/year compared to Bagalkote district Rs.38794.6/pond/year. The inland fish farming was financially feasible in both the districts as evidenced by Pay Back Period which is less than two years, net present value Rs.264047.50 in Vijayapur and Rs.246991.9 in Bagalkote districts, B:C ratio (1.84) in Vijayapur district, (1.92) in Bagalkote district and internal rate of returns higher than the opportunity cost of capital with 43 per cent and 45 per cent in Vijayapur and Bagalkote districts respectively.