Factors Driving Aquaculture Technology Adoption

Technology adoption has played a key role in the global development and increase in agricultural productivity. However, the decision to adopt a new technology on farms is complex. While the factors that drive the adoption of new technologies have been well studied in agriculture, less attention has been paid to drivers of technology adoption in aquaculture. Aquacultural technologies have developed and advanced rapidly in recent decades, but not all technologies have been adopted readily by farmers. This review paper summarizes some of the critical factors that influence aquaculture technology adoption decisions such as: (1) method of information transfer, (2) characteristics of the technology, (3) farm characteristics, (4) economic factors, and (5) sociodemographic and institutional factors. Fish farmers have tended to adopt technologies that are perceived to be more advantageous than others in terms of productivity, cost efficiency, and ease of management. Price of aquaculture products and profit expectations from business ventures were key economic factors influencing adoption decisions. Given the wide array of species, production practices, and global nature of aquaculture, the intensity and the extent of adoption of technologies depend on the nature of the industry in which they are adopted and their economic, social, political, and regulatory environments.     

Adoption of management and technological practices by fishpond operators in Nepal

Abstract

This study examines adoption of major management and technological practices by fishpond operators in Nepal. A socio‐economic survey was conducted in 1994 covering 358 fishpond operators in eight of the 21 aquaculture production districts of Nepal. Factor and multiple regression models were employed in data analysis. The results indicate that 30 adoption practices can be summarized by six indices. The study suggests that the education level of fishpond operators plays an important role in increased adoption of management and technological practices. Ethnicity, geographical location, smaller fish farm size, access to inputs and cash reserves and proximity to market infrastructure also increase the probability of adoption of desirable management and technological practices.     

Technical efficiency of carp production in Pakistan

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to examine technical efficiency and its determinants in carp pond culture in Pakistan. A stochastic production frontier involving the model for technical inefficiency effects is applied separately to the samples of semi‐intensive/intensive and extensive carp producers. The mean technical efficiencies for semi‐intensive/intensive and extensive farms were 0.673 and 0.561, respectively. By operating at full technical efficiency the semi‐intensive/intensive farms could, on average, increase their production from 3.0 to 4.5 Mt/ha and the extensive farms from 2.6 to 4.6 Mt/ha. Much of these efficiency gains would come from the improvement in fish, water and feed monitoring and management. Besides improving technical efficiency, potential also exists for raising carp productivity through increased intensification and technological progress. However, the realization of these potentials will depend on continuous government support for adequate provision of inputs, market and infrastructure, technology transfer and development and extension and credit services to carp farmers.     

Technical efficiency of carp pond culture in South Asia: An application of a stochastic meta‐production frontier model

Abstract

A stochastic meta‐production frontier model is estimated to examine the inter‐country differences in levels of technical efficiency of semi‐intensive/intensive and extensive carp pond culture systems among the major carp producing countries in South Asia, namely India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal. The mean technical efficiencies for semi‐intensive/intensive farms vary from 0.68 for Nepal to 0.79 for India, with an overall average of 0.75 and those for extensive farms vary from 0.48 for Bangladesh to 0.62 for Pakistan, with an overall mean of 0.57. Differences in efficiency levels are explained in terms of various farm‐specific and country‐specific factors by estimating a model for technical inefficiency effects. The adoption of recommended fish, water, and feed management practices is found to be critical for improved performance of carp producers. For each country, the study also compares the efficiency scores based on its own production frontier with those obtained from the meta‐production frontier.     

The evolution of farm management,production efficiencies,and current challenges to catfish production in the United States

Abstract

The catfish industry is the most successful aquaculture business in the US. The development and growth of the catfish industry has resulted in complex fish farm businesses that require intensive management. Technological innovations have resulted in increased yields (land use efficiency). However, in more recent years, productivity gains have not kept pace with the rate of increase in input costs. Increasing intensification of catfish production over time has been accompanied by increased use of debt capital that results in higher levels of financial risk. While still a profitable activity, real profit margins have declined as financial risk has increased. New technologies will likely continue to increase productivity over time. Market‐oriented agribusiness approaches to catfish marketing are likely to become the norm. The challenge for the catfish industry is to coordinate adoption of new higher‐cost technologies with demand increasing market development to sustain farm price levels.     

THE IMPACT OF PRICE AND YIELD RISK ON THE BIOECONOMICS OF RESERVOIR AQUACULTURE IN NORTHERN VIETNAM

A bioeconomic model of reservoir aquaculture in northern Vietnam is used to investigate the impacts of fish price and yield variability on the level and riskiness of expected net revenue. Net revenue is volatile compared with similar enterprises in other countries, mainly due to high yield variability. This reflects the nascent nature of the industry in Vietnam and the potential for efficiency and productivity improvements. Increasing production intensiveness, as well as reservoir size, was found to increase profits and decrease revenue risk. Among the management parameters studied, expected net revenue was found to be most sensitive to the length of the production cycle and to the harvest rate, while revenue risk was most sensitive to cycle length. Reservoir size was found to affect net revenue less than anticipated. Although common carp monoculture was found to maximize expected profit, the current species mix minimizes risk, thereby suggesting high risk aversion by northern Vietnam's poor farmers.     

Understanding the economic and farming practices driving species selection in aquaculture within the Mymensingh division of Bangladesh

Aquaculture is a major supplier of animal protein for Bangladesh’s population, and the Mymensingh division is a major contributor to finfish aquaculture, producing 43% of the total pond pangasius and 9% of the total amount of tilapia (figures from 2018). We conducted a finfish farmer survey covering Netrokona, Jamalpur and Mymensingh districts to understand current finfish farming practices and identify factors that drive farmers in their species choice between pangasius or tilapia cultivation. We found that most finfish farmers in Mymensingh are experienced practitioners and practise polyculture with a range of stocking densities for each species. Using an economic model of polyculture practice, we have shown that over a production cycle, pangasius gain body mass at a rate nearly 4 times greater than that for tilapia, resulting in substantially larger revenues and providing a strong incentive for their culture. High levels of tilapia aquaculture likely persist due to their short production cycle and an associated decreased economic risk due to crop loss from disease, both factors providing a strong incentive for their culture. Our findings also indicate production yield differences through different species selection in polyculture systems. For example, co-culturing pangasius, tilapia and carp together was less productive than co-culture of pangasius with tilapia. Furthermore, higher yields of tilapia were obtained when co-cultured with carp compared with pangasius, the reasons for which are not known and warrant further investigation. Our study uses information provided by finfish farmers to produce a useful guide on fish species choices to maximise production yields, and therefore food production, from their ponds.

     

Better management practices and their outcomes in shrimp farming: evidence from small-scale shrimp farmers in Southern Vietnam

Despite the growth of aquaculture exports from developing countries to developed countries in recent years, a high percentage of these products are rejected at developed countries’ ports because of non-compliance with international standards. This paper presents a case study of the shrimp aquaculture sector in Vietnam to examine the factors behind the persistence of such port rejections. In particular, we focus on why the so-called better management practices (BMPs) are not appropriately adopted by many farmers and examine whether the number and types of information sources matter in farmers’ decisions on BMP adoption and whether BMP adoption actually leads to better performances. On the basis of our estimation using primary data collected in Southern Vietnam, we find that information sources and training experiences indeed matter in the adoption of a higher number of BMPs and that BMP adoption indeed reduces the possibility of disease outbreaks. These results prove the effectiveness of BMPs and suggest the importance of disseminating knowledge regarding them to farmers through experts.     

PERI-URBAN OYSTER FARMING IN THE UPPER GULF OF THAILAND

Oyster farming is an important source of income in many coastal communities throughout Asia. Little is known, however, about the productivity of the farming systems used and the challenges faced by growers. This paper presents the results of a study undertaken in the small peri-urban coastal community of Ang Sila on Thailand's eastern seaboard. The community is located in one of Thailand's most important oyster production areas, and is dominated by small farms that use simple semi-traditional culture techniques. Farm attributes together with the personal characteristics and opinions of farmers were obtained from a survey of 30 oyster farm owners. A typical farm of 100,000 strings was found to produce a net profit of approximately 90,000 baht ($2250 USD). A high level of female participation in farm ownership was also identified that benefits women with relatively low levels of education and limited economic opportunities. Peri-urban coastal areas in Thailand cannot currently produce export quality shellfish owing to water quality concerns. Improved growing water management techniques and the introduction of seafood safety protocols could, however, improve the quality of oysters sold to domestic consumers and provide a basis for developing export opportunities in the future.     

Feed technology and production performance of Thai koi (Anabas testudeneus) in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT

Thai koi farming is relatively new in the aquaculture industry of Bangladesh. Costly industrial feed pellets is the main factor influencing the productivity of Thai koi (Anabas testudineus). Two types of feed, namely, floating and sinking, are commercially available in the country. The ingredients of both types of feed are more or less the same. Floating feed requires high technology, high pressure and temperature and hence is more expensive than sinking feed. Most of the Thai koi farmers use either floating or sinking feed, while some farmers use a mix of both types of feed. This article investigated the effects of these three feed types on Thai koi productivity using primary data collected from the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. The performance of different feed types on productivity was investigated using the Cobb-Douglas production function and propensity score matching (PSM) methods. Floating feed led to the highest daily mean weight gain of fish, feed conversion ratios, and net returns. The regression and PSM results revealed that farmers using floating feed produced significantly higher quantity of fish per unit compared to those using the other feed types. The cost of feed per hectare was higher in the farms using the floating feed, but these farms earned extra return from the additional investment, compared with the farms that use the other feed types. Thai koi farmers are advised to use floating feed to reap higher production and returns on investment.     

Technical efficiency of carp production in India: a stochastic frontier production function analysis

This paper aims to examine the levels and determinants of technical efficiency in carp pond culture in India. The stochastic production frontier technique involving the model for technical inefficiency effects is applied separately to samples of semi‐intensive/intensive and extensive carp producers interviewed during 1994–95. The results showed significant technical inefficiencies in carp production in India, especially among extensive farms. The mean technical efficiencies for semi‐intensive/intensive and extensive sample farms were estimated to be 0.805 and 0.658 respectively. By operating at full technical efficiency levels, the semi‐intensive/intensive farms could, on average, increase their production from about 3.4 Mt ha^?1 to 4.1 Mt ha^?1. Likewise, the extensive farms could increase their production from 1.3 Mt ha^?1 to 1.9 Mt ha^?1. Much of these efficiency gains would come from improvement in the adoption of recommended fish, water and feed management and monitoring practices. Besides expanding production area, the results indicated several other possibilities for increasing carp production in India by increasing yields per hectare, such as: (1) increased intensification of carp culture (i.e. moving from extensive to semi‐intensive or intensive systems); (2) improvement in technical efficiency at the farm level; and (3) technological progress. However, the realization of these potentials will depend on continuous efforts by the government in ensuring an adequate supply of inputs, technology transfer and development and adequate provision of research, extension and credit services in aquaculture.     

Effects of adding different proportions of the small fish punti (Puntius sophore) and mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) to a polyculture of large carp

This experiment was carried out in the framework of a project to develop a viable fish polyculture technology under Bangladeshi conditions that allows simultaneous fish production of small indigenous species for the farmers' family consumption and of large carp species as a cash crop. The objectives of this experiment were to assess the effects of adding punti and mola in different proportions on the large carp and on the environment, and to assess the effects of punti on mola and mola on punti. The polyculture included the large carp rohu, catla and common carp (as cash crop fish), and the small indigenous fish punti and mola (as food for the small‐scale farmer family). The total large carp stocking density was 10 000 fish ha^?1, at a species ratio of 1:1:1. The total small fish stocking densities were 0 in the control and 30 000 punti and mola ha^?1 in the treatments, these at rates 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2. Stocking punti and mola at the density and all ratios tested were viable solutions to obtain simultaneously large carp cash crops and small fish to feed the farmer's family. Statistically marginal differences in large carp production were obtained in stocking small fish in the different proportions. These marginal differences could be explained by food competition between punti and common carp and between mola and rohu, which had different outcomes depending on the proportions of the small fish stocked. Stocking punti and mola at a 1:1 ratio would result in more small fish for the farmer's family, while the individual size of rohu, the most expensive large carp, would be somewhat smaller, but not necessarily small enough to decrease its selling price. Stocking one of the small fish in higher proportion than the other (2:1 or 1:2) would result in less mola for the family consumption, while harvesting of common carp would be somewhat lower and of smaller fish. Since common carp is the cheapest of the large carps, this small reduction would not necessarily affect the family income in an important way. With these results, farmers would now be able to reorganize their stocking practices with large carps and small fish and decide the appropriate small fish stocking ratios to meet their needs.     

Effects of modified pond management on limnological parameters in small‐scale aquaculture ponds in mountainous Northern Vietnam

In mountainous Northern Vietnam, traditional pond aquaculture is part of the integrated farming activity contributing to food safety and to income generation for small‐scale farmers of ethnic minorities. Traditional pond management consists of a polyculture of macro‐herbivorous grass carp with 3–5 other fish species that are cultured in small ponds with constant water flow through. The main limitations to production are species‐specific mass mortalities of grass carp, a poor feed base especially for all species but grass carp, and poor water quality. In this study, we compared the traditional pond management to a semi‐intensive pond management that was based on the traditional management system but included changes designed by researchers to increase fish production. The modifications consisted of water inflow control, supplemental fertilization and feeding, and a polyculture dominated by common carp. The changes in management significantly reduced the turbidity and increased oxygen supply, as well as the natural food base within the pond. These changes in pond management provide farmers with the possibility to improve their pond aquaculture scheme and overcome previous limitations.     

Impact of Long-term Training and Extension Support on Small-scale Carp Polyculture Farms of Bangladesh

One of the unique features of the Development of Sustainable Aquaculture Project of the WorldFish Center, Bangladesh, was the provision of 3 y of continuous training and extension in support of the fish farmers involved. It was expected that the long-term support would make a significant contribution to boosting production and incomes as well as sustainability. The article demonstrates the impact of the training and extension support to small-scale carp polyculture farmers in terms of productivity, profitability, and efficiency. The study used data collected from 225 project farmers and 123 control farmers during 2002/2003 to 2005/2006. The results show that the project farmers achieved an average growth rate in productivity terms (kg/ha) of about 23% per annum compared with only 3.8% among control farmers. Estimated annual return on investment per demonstration farm exhibits 52% higher return over the 3-y intervention period. During 2002/2003 to 2005/2006, the average technical efficiency score of project farmers increased from 0.55 to 0.86 compared with an average increase from 0.67 to 0.78 among control farmers over the same time period. The results showed that the efficiency gains and resulting increased productivity came from the development of human capital through long-term efficient and effective training and extension support.     

Technical efficiency in tilapia farming of Bangladesh: a stochastic frontier production approach

Genetically improved farmed tilapia is increasingly getting popular in Bangladesh. It has high production potential. Its dominant production technology ranges from extensive to improved extensive particularly in the rural areas. This study estimates levels and determinants of farm-level technical efficiency of tilapia farmers of Bangladesh using stochastic frontier production function involving a model for technical inefficiency effects. Data from fifty tilapia farmers of Jessore district are used in the analysis. The mean technical efficiency level of the tilapia farmers is 78%, and thus, the farmers operate 22% below the frontier production. Inefficiency effect is significant, and age, education, income, culture length, pond age, pond depth, water colour and pond tenure, as a group, are significant determinants of technical inefficiency. By operating at full technical efficiency levels, tilapia yield can be improved from the current level of 7.36–8.96?tons per hectare. The decision to add or not to add inputs is sometimes taken arbitrarily and not based on technology requirement. There is a lack of understanding of the technology practices. Fisheries extension efforts are required for proper understanding of the technology practices, further adoption and spread. For promotion of tilapia production, quality feed and seed at affordable price needs to be ensured.     

Oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion of black carp (Mylopharyngdon piceus Richardson) and allogynogenetic crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio ♀?×?Cyprinus carpio ♂) fed different carbohydrate diets

Oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion of black carp (Mylopharyngdon piceus Richardson) (4.6 ± 0.3 g) and allogynogenetic crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio ♀ × Cyprinus carpio ♂) (5.7 ± 0.5 g) were examined when fish fed two types of carbohydrate (dextrin and glucose) at two levels (20 and 40%) each. The diets were isonitrogenous (40% dry matter) and isocaloric at 18.5 kJ g⁻¹ (dry matter) by adjusting the oil content to 10.1 and 1.5%, respectively. In black carp, the interactions between the carbohydrate type and level were found in oxygen consumption at 3 and 6 h and in ammonia excretion at 6 h after feeding. At 20% carbohydrate, no significant difference was observed between dextrin and glucose in oxygen consumption. However, at 40% carbohydrate, oxygen consumption in fish fed glucose was significantly higher than that in fish fed dextrin at 3 and 6 h after feeding. Within the dextrin diets, no significant differences in both oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion were detected between the two carbohydrate levels. Within the glucose diets, however, fish fed 40% glucose showed significantly higher oxygen consumption than those fed 20% glucose at 3 and 6 h after feeding. Ammonia excretion in black carp fed 40% glucose was higher than that in black carp fed 40% dextrin at 6 h and also found higher than those in the other three treatments at 24 h after feeding. The postprandial oxygen consumption and the ammonia excretion in crucian carp fed 40% glucose were the highest, but no significant differences were observed. Our data indicate that the escalation of glucose to 40% in a fish diet results in high oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion in black carp, suggesting that the efficiency of glucose as an energy source for this fish is compromised by the high metabolic expenditure after feeding. Crucian carp, on the other hand, have a better ability to cope with dietary carbohydrates.     

Culture-based fisheries in small reservoirs in northern Vietnam: effect of stocking density and species combinations

This study was conducted in 20 reservoirs, ranging in size from 4 to 30 ha, in the mountainous, northern region of Vietnam, in ThaiNguyen and YenBai provinces, over two growth cycles in 2002/03 and 2003/04. The reservoirs are leased by farmers for fishery activities from the provincial administration, and the trials were managed by the lessee farmers. Three species combinations in ratios (by fingerling weight) of grass carp: silver carp: bighead carp: common carp: mrigal 1:2:1:1:3 (A), 1:3:1:1:2 (B) and 1:2:1:1:2 (C) were used as seed stock. The overall mean yield of stocked fish in 2002/03 and 2003/04 growth cycles in reservoirs in ThaiNguyen and YenBai provinces was 165 (±21) and 190 (39), and 287 (±22) and 325 (±24) kg ha^?1 respectively. The yield in reservoirs in both provinces, in both growth cycles and irrespective of the species combinations, increased in relation to stocking density. In reservoirs in ThaiNguyen Province, the species combination B gave the lowest yield (both growth cycles and overall), and differed significantly (P<0.05) from combinations A and C. The stocking efficiency (ratio of the yield of stocked fish in kg ha^?1 to the weight of the stocked fish in kg ha^?1) in reservoirs in ThaiNguyen Province ranged from 2.9 to 5.1 over the two growth cycles and that in YenBai from 2.8 to 3.9. There was no discernible trend between growth cycles and/or between species combinations. The major cost incurred was for fingerling procurement. In all instances, a net profit was accrued. The mean (±standard error (SE)) net profit ha^?1 (in 10³VN dong; approximately 15 500 VND=1 US$) was 885 (±270) and 864 (±214), and 1322 (±176) and 1600 (±150) for the growth cycles 2002/03 and 2003/04 for reservoirs in ThaiNguyen and YenBai provinces respectively. Between the two growth cycles, the net profit increased in eight and three reservoirs from YenBai and ThaiNguyen, respectively, the maximum increase being recorded in Khuan Gio (165%) and Dong Man (39%) reservoirs.     

Factors affecting fish yield and profit in fish pen culture in flooded ricefields

In recent years, a rotational system consisting of two rice crops followed by a fish pen culture during the monsoon flood period was adopted in parts of the flood-prone region of the Mekong Delta. In this paper, we use the survey data from 51 fish pen farmers at Co Do and Vinh Thanh district, Can Tho City, to investigate the factors affecting fish yield and profit in such fish pen culture system. The net yield of all stocked fish varies from 377 to 3,782?kg/ha/crop while the return above variable costs varies from ?5.3 to 9.8 million VND/ha/crop. Low fish price at harvest and the difficulty to sell below market sized fish at a period of oversupply are the main problems for fish pen culture. Fish net yield significantly increases with stocking density and is linked with specific polycultures. Common carp and bighead carp perform best in fish pen culture, both in production and profit considerations. Harvest body mass of common carp is mainly limited by increasing common carp stocking density. Therefore, a stocking density of common carp of about 6,000 fish/ha is recommended to obtain the optimum combination of reasonable body masses, and a good price, as well as a high return above fingerling costs.