Effect of periphyton (aquamat installation) in the profitability of semi-intensive shrimp culture systems

Abstract

Objectives: In the present study, economic analysis of with and without periphyton substrate (aquamat installation) as treatment and control, respectively, was evaluated with semi-intensive culture (stocking density 20 numbers m-2) of Penaeus vannamei. Total duration of the culture was 120 days. Methods/Statistical analysis: Economic parameters of both ponds were estimated via fixed cost, variable cost and gross revenues, and performance indicators such as benefit cost-ratio (BCR), net profit, break-even price, rate of return on investment, rate of return on operating cost, production per man day and contribution margin were calculated based on the profitability and the capital investment. The primary data was used for the calculation and the experiment was carried out in duplicates. Findings: The capital investment for periphyton (US$ 23192, INR 62.5= US$) was higher than the control pond (US$ 17544). Higher production in periphyton pond resulted in the increased net income generation by 35.4 % than the control. Periphyton improves the economic return (US$ 18021; BCR – 2.3) of the semi-intensive shrimp farming and reduced the breakeven point (496) and feed cost (US$ 7426) of the culture pond. This indicates that the aquamat installation in semi-intensive shrimp culture system is a profitable venture and paves the way to attain sustainable intensification in the shrimp farming sector. The study was conducted on the field; it depicts the exact scenario of the profitability of aquamat installation when compared to the laboratory trial. Application/Improvements: This technology also reduces and recycles the wastes, so it can also be applied as economically viable effluent treatment system for shrimp farming.