Optimal to excessive: Pragmatic use of chemical and biological products and crucial determinants in carp aquaculture in the Northeastern Himalayas

Abstract

This study employs statistical techniques to examine the variables that affect the utilisation of chemical and biological inputs in carp aquaculture in the Gomati River basin of Tripura, India. Two hundred carp farmers were surveyed in seven blocks and three districts, utilising a semi-structured interview schedule to obtain data. The data was analysed using both inferential and descriptive statistical approaches, which include a multiple-stepwise logistic forward regression model. The survey recorded 23 distinct chemical and biological substances used by farmers frequently, indicating a widespread dependence on water and soil treatment chemicals as well as disinfectants. The results suggest that the size of the pond, the total production of the pond, the gender of the farmer, the experience in fish farming, and the number of crops per year have a significant impact on the use of inputs (p < 0.05). Significantly, the analysis revealed no notable variation in disease prevalence or perceived ecological consequences among the districts. This study offers a statistically rigorous framework for comprehending the present patterns of input utilisation in carp aquaculture in the region. The discovered influencing factors provide useful insights for policymakers and stakeholders promoting sustainable aquaculture practices. These insights can be used to develop customised input suggestions and training initiatives tailored to farmers' demographics and production systems.