A description of the culture of tambatinga (Colossoma macropomum x Piaractus brachypomus) in a South American tropical region and the interaction of farm size with value chains

Abstract

Understanding the economic efficiency of pond-based fish culture in tropical developing countries is essential for defining development programs. This study was designed to describe the aquaculture of tambatinga in various farm sizes that is being performed in a region close to the equator in Brazil called the midnorth. The major focus was on the economic performance and the relationship between different farm sizes and downstream value chains. We also describe the attractiveness of investments in small farms. A purposive sample of commercial tambatinga farms was taken. Sixteen farms were selected which encompassed a representative sample of progressively increasing production areas, ranging from 0.1 ha to 220 ha. Complete enterprise budgets were developed for each farm based on standard budgeting techniques, and indicators of financial feasibility were computed. The farming of tambatinga in the midnorth is performed in semi-intensive levee or watershed pond systems in farms of various levels of complexity and different production strategies. All farms perform a monophase cycle, stock small fingerlings (3 to 6 g) and feed fish with a commercial diet. Yield, net income, economic profit, net present value, internal rate of return and benefit/cost ratio were found to decrease as farm size increased. Payback period and break-even point increased as farm size increased. Small aquaculture farms (≤ 1.5 ha) had a vertical business structure and presented a more effective economic performance. They are also attractive as family investments. This model of enterprise can boost rural economies and reduce poverty in developing countries. Large farms (≥ 17 ha) were not economically feasible because they do not operate in the market and sell their production at lower prices. Increasing farm size should go hand in hand with improvements in technology to be feasible.