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Economic Loss from Fish Diseases on Rural Freshwater Aquaculture of Bangladesh

M. A.R Faruk
Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.

MMR. Sarker
Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.

MI Alam
Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.

ME. Kabir
Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Prevalence of fish disease has negative economic impact on aquaculture but the extent of this impact is not well documented. In order to quantitative economic impact of fish disease on rural freshwater aquaculture, a questionnaire survey and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools were used in five districts of Bangladesh namely Mymensingh, Comilla, Jessore, Natore and Dinajpur. The study was conducted from January to December 2003. A total of 500 fish farmers were interviewed and 25 PRA session were conducted. The present study indicated that there were average economic loss of Tk 20,615/ha/year (US$344) to farmers from fish diseases which was equivalent to approximately 15% of the actual production. These losses varied among different districts and with different size of farms. The average loss as high as Tk 26,817/ha/year (US$447) was observed in Comilla district followed by Dinajpur Tk.23,412 (US$390), Mymensingh Tk.19,685 (US$328), Jessore Tk.18,177 (US$303) and Natore Tk15,037 (US$251). Fish production also varied among different districts. The average highest (19.2%) loss of actual production was seen in Comilia district while the lowest (7.9%) were observed with farmers from Natore district In general, small size farms suffered from highest average loss (19.6%) than the bigger size farms (14% for medium and 11.2% for large farm). Prevalence offish disease varied among different districts with highest prevalence (18.2%) was seen in Jessore followed by Comilla (13.4%), Mymensingh (11.4%), Dinajpur (10.4%) and Natore (5.6%).

Keywords: Economic loss, Fish diseases, Rural aquaculture, Bangladesh

Location: Five districts of Bangladesh namely Mymensingh, Comilla, Natore, Dinajpur and Jessore

Start Date: 00-01-2003

End Date: 00-12-2003

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Non-commodity: Impact

Objectives:

To quantify the extent financial loss due to fish disease in rural freshwater aquaculture of Bangladesh.

Methodology:

The study focused on five districts of Bangladesh namely Mymensingh, Comilla, Natore, Dinajpur and Jessore, These were selected because of their substantial contribution to freshwater aquaculture production of the country. Data was collected through the questionnaire interview and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) with fish farmers. For questionnaire interview, a set of preliminary questionnaire was prepared. This was field tested with a few fish farmers of each representative location and necessary modifications were made based on their feedback. For the interview, simple random sampling method was followed. A total of 500 farmers (100 farmers from each district) having different farm size was interviewed. Prior to field survey, background information on the number, location and distribution of fish farms and aquaculture activities was collected. PRA tools including Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted with rural fish farmers to get an overview of particular issues of fish health and disease. A total of 25 FGD sessions in different districts were conducted where each group size was between 6 and 12 farmers. Cross check interviews were conducted with key informants such as District Fisheries Officer, Upazilla Fisheries Officer, NGO workers working with aquaculture, fishermen leader and village old man where information was contradictory. The data was analyzed using tabular and descriptive statistical techniques. The summary tables were prepared in accordance to the objective of the study. The technique of analysis included the classification of tables into meaningful result by arithmetic mean, percentage and ratios. The economic loss from fish diseases were calculated from the difference between expected production and actual production per hectare per year. The expected production reported by the farmers who had disease problems was verified with the neighboring farmers who do not have any diseases.

Source of Information: Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences 7 (12): 2086-2091, 2004; ISSN 1028-8880

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that there are substantial economic loses to fish farmers due to diseases. Therefore, the importance of prevention and control of disease rick as a measure to reduce production loss should be given proper attention. Further work is needed focused on the development of strategies for farmer-oriented primary fish health management packages. Also, there is a need to train farmers and technical personnel on simple diagnostic procedure and effective therapy, creation of awareness amongst farmers on fish health management and establishment of mobile diagnostic centers.

Knowledge Management: Journal