Nursing Management and Economics of Mud Crablets Produced in the Hatchery at Kolbari in Satkhira

Abstract

The thesis work was aimed at understanding the present scenario of production and economics of crablets production at Kolbari, Satkhira. The investigation was conducted on three different crablets nursery through a structured questionnaire. The study was based on reconnaissance survey from July to December, 2017. The survey discovered that this crablets nursing business gives a very good economic benefit with a minimum investment at a short period of culture. The average total areas of pond were found as 36 decimal with average water depth 1-2m. Dyke condition of most of the pond was very good. Fertilizer mainly urea was used at the rate of 150g/decimal and TSP at the rate of 100g/decimal. CaCO3 was used as lime at the rate of 1kg/decimal. The stocking density of crablets was found 1000 piece/decimal. Average growth performance was found 15.95 ± 1.21 g after 22 days nursing. For feeding the crablets, mainly blending tilapia 10kg/decimal was used. The average Salinity, Temperature, pH and DO were found at 16.49 ± 0.03 ppt, 26.01 ± 0.45 °C, 7.58 ± 0.04 and 7.36 ± 0.04 mgL⁻¹, respectively. The average production was found 520.83 ± 46.92 piece/decimal. The average net return was estimated at TK 586 ± 61.98/decimal and the average rate of return on operating cost was estimated at 21.54% and the average benefit cost ratio was estimated at 0.82. So it can be assumed from the study that crablets nursing business can give a good economic benefit with a minimum investment at a short period of culture, and can be a potential and profitable business at the region where crab aquaculture is predominant. However, further coherent research is needed for generating data and suggestions regarding mud crab larvae production, nursing system, farming practices.