An analysis of production factors in carp farming in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Three major carp species, viz. catla Catla catla (Hamilton-Buchanan), Labeo rohita (Hamilton) and mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton), are farmed in polyculture systems in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh (15–18°N, 77–80°E), India. A survey of 189 carp farms was undertaken, and principal component analysis was used to assess the relationship(s) between farm inputs and fish yield. Model results exhibited a strong relationship of yield with the stocking density of all three major carp species (rohu, catla and mrigal). Similarly, buffalo manure, poultry droppings and groundnut oil cake, representing use of major organic fertilizers, also contributed to high yields. Also, supply of supplementary feed ingredients, such as groundnut cake, cottonseed meal, deoiled bran and sunflower meal, and additives in the feed, such as salt and mineral mix, had a positive influence on the yield. The management inputs that influenced the yield were rate of water exchange, frequency of medication and age and mean weight of fingerlings at stocking. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that older ponds were more productive. It was observed that inorganic fertilizers and a few feed ingredients have a secondary and/or a tertiary role in the system, indirectly influencing production. Intrinsic variables, such as age of the farmer and literacy rate, were linked with the less important components, suggesting that the socio-economic variables had a less prominent role in influencing the yields once a production decision was made.