Impact of fish culture value chain development project on production, pond area, employment creation, and technical capability of participating farmers in some areas of Natore district, Bangladesh

Abstract

This study examines the impact of the fish culture value chain development project of PKSF (Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation) implemented by United Development Initiatives for Program Action (UDDIPAN) on fish farmers in the Natore district. The project period was 20 months. With the views in mind, 600 project participating fish farmers were selected purposively from the study area. It is evident that 15.53% of farmers used lime regularly as a precautionary measure against fish stocks in their ponds but 84.46% of farmers applied lime irregularly. At present, 100% fish, farmers apply a moderate amount of lime during the preparation of fish farming ponds. The final assessment survey found that fish feeding increased by 95% of the farmers used regular and 5% of the farmers applied irregular food. The final fish marketing capabilities increased by 58.58% sold fish from farms, 20.32% from local markets, and 21.12% from national markets. Fry marketing increased by 83.57% sold fry to farmers, 16.27% to potters, and 6.18% to other places. Water change increased by 90% of the farmers change the water regularly and 10% of the farmers change the water irregularly in the pond after participating in the fish culture value chain development project of PKSF implemented by UDDIPAN. Fish production has been 14.77 kg per decimal in the pond. Finally, the study concludes that PKSF on fish culture value chain development project had positively influenced production, pond area, employment generation, and technical capability of participating farmers in the project area.