Economic Analysis of Fish Farming in Punjab, Pakistan

Fish consumption is very less in Pakistan as compared to the world. The study was designed to conduct the economic analysis of the fish farming. Two districts were selected with the highest number of fish farms, i.e. Muzaffargarh and Khanewal. A total of 50 fish farms from both study areas were selected randomly for the study. Economic analysis was carried out from the collected data to estimate the profitability of fish farming. In order to make a comparison of profitability of fish farming with crop cultivation on per acre basis, data from 50 farmers from crop sector were also collected. The results revealed that fish farming was more profitable as compared to crop farming in the study area. Net income per acre was estimated at Rs. 252426 from fish farming as compared to net income per acre of Rs. 58612 from wheat-cotton, Rs. 72662 from cotton-rice and Rs. 53290 from sugarcane cultivation. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) of fish farming was calculated 1:1.52 and 1: 1.74 with and without land rent respectively. It illustrates that the enterprise yields 1.52 rupees and 1.74 rupees for every rupee invested. On the basis of results, it is suggested that fish farming should be promoted, especially in the areas of saline soils to enhance food security and uplifting the socioeconomic conditions of small farmers.