An Economic Analysis of Aquariculture in Thoothukudi District, Tamilnadu

For the success of India’s economic reforms, foreign trade has a pivotal role to play in the economic growth. Aquariculture, also referred to as ornamental fish culture is a promising alternative for employment and income generation in domestic and export markets. The study was taken up to analyze the economics of aquariculture by applying alternative costing techniques such as cost-plus method in Thoothukudi district during the period 2002-2003. The results revealed that about 44% of the farmers had aquariculture as their primary occupation and the estimated total cost was Rs. 30, 76,920 of which total variable cost and total fixed cost accounted for 67% and 33%, respectively. The benefit cost ratio on total cost and total variable cost bases were 1.35 and 2.03, respectively, indicating the profitability of the venture. While the mean mark-up by cost- plus method was the highest for Guppy, ordinary molly and sword tail (37.98%), net return was the highest for Cichlids (Rs. 23966.16). The estimated total cost function showed that the marginal costs were 38%, 29% and 23% lower than their average selling price for ordinary platy, guppy and ordinary molly, respectively, indicating the profitability in producing them more.