Abstract |
The study examined the profitability of integrated fish cum crop farming and effects of socio-economic and demographic factors on farm income realized from it. Data were collected by means of structured questionnaire recovered from 80 farmers. Analyses of data were accomplished using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting technique, profit function and multiple regression. Profitability indicators using gross margin, net farm income and net return on investment portrayed the compared enterprises as profitable. Net return on investment for fish cum crop integration that utilized waste from the fish pond as organic manure in crop farm (1.21) was 0.5 higher than that of the alternative (1.16). The price parameters for fish feeds and output significantly accounted for more of the maximum variable profit in profit function analysis. Farm income was significantly influenced by years of experience, educational level and utilization of fish pond waste as organic manure in crop farm. Policy measures geared towards reduction in cost of inputs, favorable output price, enhanced farmer’s knowledge and adoption of modern technologies would lead to bigger farm income. |