Aquaculture of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) in India: A comparative economic analysis across production systems and regions

Abstract

The study estimated the economic and technical efficiency of Asian seabass production in India and identified the major constraints and suggested the scope for improvement. The average productivity (kg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) in different farming stages was 2566 (61,073 nos) in the nursery and 2111 (19,449 nos) in pre-grow-out, and ranged from 4263 to 13,677 in grow-out ponds and 14–27 kg m⁻³ in grow-out cages. The seabass culture models practised using hatchery-produced seed were shown to be significantly more productive and profitable than the farms stocked with wild seed, albeit requiring higher capital investments, operating expenses, and skilled personnel. The observed positive return on investment (nursery 54.09%, pond 70–88%, cage 28–78%), BC ratio (nursery 1.54, pond 1.69–1.87, cage 1.28–1.78), and internal rate of returns (nursery 51%, pond 67–90%, cage 50–80%) indicated the economic viability of the sector. The technical efficiency analysis through the stochastic frontier production function revealed the significant influence (P < 0.05) of duration, stocking density/weight, survival, and ABW at harvest on production, resulting in higher mean technical efficiency (cage 82.08%, pond 80.93%). The estimated seabass production in India was 7544 t for the year 2022, and the ARIMA (1,1,0) forecast projected the production to reach around 11,000 t by 2025. The major constraints identified were the cost and availability of quality seed and feed, in addition to the lack of institutional credit and insurance. The findings of the study suggest that the impact of technologies developed in breeding, seed production, and feed formulation could be realized by providing scientific training and extensive field demonstrations, which will improve the adoption and enhance livelihood opportunities, thus ensuring the economic sustainability of the sector.

Graphical Abstract