ECONOMICS OF SMALL SCALE: TILAPIA PRODUCTION IN FLOATING NET-CAGES

Abstract

The study was aimed at providing information on the profitability of small-scale table-size tilapia production in floating net-cages. One module of 4 net-cages (L x B x H: 3m X 3m 2.75m; 210/9, 12.7mm mesh size) fitted to a 7m x 7m bamboo raft with plastic floats was used in the production system. The stocking density was 2,500 fingerlings (averaged size 20g) per net-cage and a 5-month culture period with 2 runs per year. Cost analysis showed that cost of feed and fingerlings accounted for 54.32% of total production cost while fixed inputs constituted 25.66%. Other variable inputs (including cost of surveillance, 14.9%) accounted for 20.02% of total cost.  The profitability analysis in the first year of operation showed that table-size tilapia production in floating cages could generate a rate of return to investment of 34.10%, a rate of return on fixed cost of 159.1% and a rate of return on variable cost of 116.26%. A community-Based Implementation Strategy for effective grass root participation by Cooperative Societies; Farmers’ Association, Community Development Association was recommended for a successful use of this innovative fish production system-with agricultural loan from financial/banking institutions. 

Keywords: Cages, economic, small-scale, table-size tilapia.