Economic efficiency of different systems of ' Dol' (bag net) operation in northwest coast

Abstract

There are three systems of' dol' (bag net) operation, locally known as * Khamba ', ' Khunt-sus' (both in Maharashtra) and ' Kaba-sus' (in Gujarat). ' Kaba-sus' is a permanent stone anchor consisting of a heap of stones with a rope tied to float (Kaba) for net operation. In Maharashtra, ' Khunt-sus • consists of anchor pole or spike (of about 8-10 feet in length) driven in mud at the bottom of the sea. Another system of ' dol' operation is ' Khamba' which consists of very long wooden poles or pylons fixed to the bott om. For the three ' dol' opsrating system, the cost and earning data from 20 sample units were collected on 5 systematically selected sample days each month for a period of one year starting from Septembsr 1984 aad analysed. This papsr deals with the different components of variable and fixed costs and monthwise distribution of catch, fishing days and income for the three systems. Comparative economic analysis of these systems showed that annual net income per unit was maximum for' Kaba-Sus' (Rs. 22,085) and minimum for' Khamba' (Rs. 18,416). Giving due weightage to the initial investment and net income, it is concluded that' Sus' systems is more econoniical than * Khamba' in northwest coast.