Profile and information source utilization behaviour of shrimp farmers in north Konkan region, Maharashtra Yadav P P, Patil S V*, Chaudhari K J, Naik B V, Yadav B M, Wasave S M, Yewale V G, Vankar G S, Kamble S C College of Fisheries (Dr. B. S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth), Ratnagiri, Maharashtra *Corresponding Author's Email: sandeshpatil17@gmail.com
Online published on 28 March, 2024. Abstract Shrimp farming is playing a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of our country. Shrimp aquaculture has developed very fast in Maharashtra since last decade. Shrimp farming activities have also generated employment along the coastline. As this sector is growing at a good pace and the state is earning valuable foreign exchange it is necessary to study the profile of shrimp farmers. The right information at the right time is crucial for being successful in any farming system. Sustainable shrimp aquaculture farming system is also dependent on correct information In view of this, an investigation was undertaken. to study the profile and information sources utilized by shrimp farmers in North Konkan region, Maharashtra. Information was collected randomly from 108 shrimp farmers, Maharashtra using an interview schedule. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the profile and information sources utilized by shrimp farmers. Results indicated that the majority of shrimp farmers in the North Konkan region were in the young age group (up to 35 years old), with 32.41% having secondary education. About 41.67% had experience up to 5 years. Majority of shrimp farmers had taken ponds on lease basis and were having farming areas up to 2 ha. Annual income of the majority of shrimp farmers (85.19%) is above 20 lakhs. Aqua company technicians/input dealers (100%) were the primary information source, followed by fisheries institutions (97.22%). Social media/internet was the third major source of information used by shrimp farmers (93.51%). The study suggested that it would be better if private and government sector extension mechanisms work together through convergence. It is also suggested that, internet/social media-based information exchange along with strengthening the digital extension system can be a viable strategy to provide right information and services to farmers. Top Keywords Profile, Source of information, Shrimp farmers, North Konkan, Maharashtra. Top |