Cage Culture of Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus): Suitable Livelihood Option for Rural Women in Batiaghata

Abstract

This study contains the history of an adaptive cage culture of monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) introduced by CSISA (Cereal Systems Initiatives in South Asia) project, WorldFish Centre, Khulna hub. The study area was Hotalbunia village in Batiaghata upazilla of Khulna district. CSISA project selected nine female members of this village as participants for this adaptive research. CSISA has provided all the economical and technical facilities for the adaptive research project. The project objectives of this adaptive research were to develop suitability of cages, stocking densities as well as to provide an alternative means of income generating activities by the poor families using open water resources. The project provided all the necessary research inputs including cage, seed and feed. The research cages were set-up in the canal of Hotalbunia. The present study was carried out to determine the suitability of cage culture of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the southern region and to observe the status and changes in the socioeconomic properties of the people of the study area. As the first trial cycle, the end output of the research was really hopeful. In spite of some constraints, this research has clearly demonstrated the economic profitability of cage culture as well as the acceptability of the technique by the poor female members of the community. A short survey within 30 families of the village was also conducted to draw the picture of their social condition and their view about this project.