Economic Analysis of Inland Harvested Water Fish Farming and Marketing in North Bihar

Abstract

Fisheries and aquaculture play a crucial role in global food security, providing essential nutrients and contributing significantly to economic growth. India, ranking second globally in fish production, has witnessed a remarkable 287.83 per cent increase from 5.65 million tonnes in 2000-01 to 17.55 million tonnes in 2022-23. Bihar, endowed with fertile land and abundant water resources, ranks prominently in inland fish production, yet faces challenges in achieving self-sufficiency. This study aims to address key aspects of fish farming in Bihar by focusing on production trends, cost structures, efficiency, and marketing challenges. Primary data was collected from 244 fish farmers in 12 villages across North Bihar using Multi-Stage Sampling Technique. The sample included 75 per cent small farmers (183 individuals), 18.85 per cent medium farmers (46 individuals), and 6.15 per cent large farmers (15 individuals). newline