Success Stories In Asian Aquaculture - Library - Network of ...

3 Shrimp Farmers in India: Empowering Small-Scale Farmers55• Same time stocking with optimum density• Health management stress on prevention, rather than treatment• Cooperation among farmers3.5.2.3 Reduced Cost of Production and Increased ProfitEconomic analysis of 2006 data clearly demonstrated that farmers adopting BMPshave higher profitability, lower cost of production, and are able to produce qualityand traceable shrimp without using any banned chemicals. In the demonstrationponds for every Rs. 1,000 (US$ 25) invested by a farmer, around Rs. 520 (US$ 13)was earned as profit in 2006 (Fig. 3.6 ). This was a substantial increase compared tothe Rs. 250 (US$ 6) profit made by non-demonstration farmers during the sameperiod.Prior to forming aquaclubs/societies, farmers never perceived in improving (e.g.,de-silting the canal) the common water intake, but now with collective effort andpooling of resources, this has not only been made possible, the members appreciatethe importance of regular de-silting to improve production. Now some farmers areprogressing toward getting electricity for the entire cluster, which otherwise wouldhave been beyond the means of individual farmers. Recognizing farmers’ interest,Government is also coming forward to help the groups for development of infrastructurefacilities.Key factors responsible for improved profit in BMP implemented farms are:• Efficient use of resources (feed)• Reduced chemical use• Sharing of expenses (deepening of canals, seed testing, transport of inputs, laboratoryanalysis, electricity, etc.)Net profit Gained (Ind. Rs.) for Every1000 Rs. Spent6005004003002001000DemoNon Demo2004 2005 2006Fig. 3.6 Profit made by BMP (demo) and non-BMP farmers for every thousand rupees (US$ 25)investment