Trends Of Shrimp Farming In Bagerhat Area

Abstract

A study was conducted between January and June 2009 with a detailed farm survey to describe the shrimp farming trend in Bagerhat area. The field survey was carried out among 60 farmers in three Upazila named Bagerhat Sadar, Fakirhat and Mollahat of Bagerhat district. The study compared the culture and production system and socio-economic condition of farm owners using five years interval data collection from 1998 to 2008. The farm area ranged from 2,146.08-8,990 ha in 1998, 3,251.5-11,250 ha in 2003 and 3,896.05-11,690 ha in 2008 in three studied Upazila of Bagerhat District. The farm management systems include dike preparation, pond drying, liming, fertilizing etc. was properly done in 2008 than 1998 and partially done was highest in all three study years and not done was highest in 1998 and least in 2008. The source of shrimp fry was highest 85% wild in 1998, 50% wild in 2003 and 65% both wild and hatchery in 2008 and lowest 5% hatchery in 1998, 25% hatchery in 2003 and 10% wild in 2008. The stocking density of Macrobrachium rosenbergii was 14,250-30,875 fry/ha in 1998 and increased 21,375-26,125 fry/ha in 2003 and 14,250-16,225 in 2008, Penaeus monodon was 7,500-9,500 fry/ha in 1998 and increased 31,500-47,500 fry/ha in 2003 and decreased 18,200-42,500 fry/ha in 2008 and White fish was 237.5-475 fry/ha in 1998 and increased 475-1,230 fry/ha in 2003 and 850-1,520 fry/ha in 2008 and production of Macrobrachium rosenbergii was 237.5-665 kg/ha in 1998 and increased 475-570 kg/ha in 2003 and decreased 380-1,187.5 kg/ha, Penaeus monodon 190-522.5 kg/ha in 1998 and increased 280-855 kg/ha in 2003 and 430-665 kg/ha in 2008 and White fish 237.5-285 kg/ha in 1998 and increased 280-570 kg/ha in 2003 and 630-855 kg/ha in 2008 in Bagerhat Sadar Upazila. The harvested shrimp was kept in bamboo baskets in 1998 and in crates or coops, plastic boxes, ice boxes in 2003 and 2008 for transporting from farm to marketing places. The shrimp was sold mainly Depot and Local market in 1998 and Depot, Arot, factory and local market in 2003 and 2008. The dike of farm was used for vegetable culturing whose production was increasing day by day. During dry season farms are also used for paddy culture. Socio-economic condition of farm owner includes housing condition, nutritional status and recreational media using were improved from 1998 to 2008. Although the production cost of shrimp is increasing, the farm area is increasing in Bagerhat region due to higher production than any other agriculture sector