A SOCIO-ECONOMIC SURVEY OF SHRIMP AQUCULTURE PRACTICES IN VALSAD DISTRICT, GUJARAT, INDIA

For overall development of aquaculture, it is necessary to study socio-economic profile of shrimp farmers and to understand the nature of shrimp farming practices followed and also farmer’s perceptions about the aquaculture. The present study was carried out in valsad district of Gujarat state, India during July 2015 to November 2015. The detailed study was carried out on 38 shrimp farms with respect to the culture practices, pond preparation, stocking, feeding management, production and marketing. For the socio-economic component of the study, 108 shrimp farmers from coastal villages of Valsad including Kosamba, Bhadeli, Hingraj, Malvan, Untadi, Bhagal, Nani-bhagal, Kakwadi, Nanidanti, Motidanti were randomly chosen and data was collected by pre-tested questionnaire. Meetings of various shrimp farmers and fishermen were organized nearby motidanti village to assess the impacts of shrimp farming. The present survey study revealed that shrimp farming has contributed significantly in employment generation and infrastructure development of the coastal community and overall development of the coastal areas. This case study also revealed that aquaculture is risky business but farmers still consider it as a profitable venture with high status.