Production economics of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Sauvage, 1878) farming under polyculture system in Bangladesh

The present study assesses the production costs, profitability and the importance of inputs (seed, feed, fertilizer and labor) in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) production under polyculture system in Bangladesh. A survey was conducted by structured questionnaire during November 2011-June 2012 that included 201 pangasius farmers of four locations, namely Bogra, Jessore, Mymensingh and Narshingdi districts. Based on the aquaculture operation area and management characteristics, these farms were categorized into small, medium and large scale farms. The average annual production costs, gross income, net income and benefit cost ratios were higher (P ≥ 0.05) in medium farms, followed by small and large farms and these parameters varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) between farm locations. The Cobb-Douglas production function model was applied to evaluate several independent variables (inputs) related with fish production. The results showed that feeding and stocking density were the most significant factors influencing fish production. The analysis also showed an increasing return to scale, implying an increase in inputs will more than proportionately increase production. The estimated marginal physical productivity of the inputs suggests that stocking density, feeding and labor should be increased in order to increase farm profitability. However, some inputs were inefficiently used by different farm categories. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that farmers should consider more attention on the use of these inputs more efficiently in order to facilitate a sustainable increase in fish production.