On-farm performance of genetically improved scampi (CIFA-GI scampi TM) in carp-scampi polyculture system in Odisha, India

Abstract

On-farm performance evaluation of the genetically improved variety of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii christened as CIFA-GI scampiTM was carried out in 14 districts of Odisha State, India during April 2019 to March 2020. Data were collected through personal interview of 46 farmers (28 CIFA-GI scampiTM and 18 non-GI scampi farmers) using a structured questionnaire. Socio-economic profile of two groups of respondents were found to be identical for all the selected variables except education, primary occupation and pond size. Harvest size, absolute growth rate, yield, sale price and gross profit were significantly higher in CIFA-GI scampiTM farmers compared to non-GI scampi farmers though size at stocking, stocking density and survival did not vary between these two groups. It was found that CIFA-GI scampiTM showed 53% higher growth rate, 68% higher yield, fetched 13% higher farm gate price with `0.62 lakh ha-1 crop-1 additional profit compared to non-GI scampi in carp-scampi polyculture system. The input and output parameters of carp component were not significantly different between the groups. The findings of this study highlighted the superiority of the CIFA-GI scampiTM. Thus, the adoption of culture of this improved strain will not only bridge the yield gap but also help in realisation of higher economic benefit to the farmers. Keywords: CIFA-GI scampiTM, Genetically improved prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Polyculture, Performance assessment, , Socio-economic profile