Economic Analysis on the Hatchery Technology and growout of Pearl Spot (Etroplus suratensis)

Abstract

“Karimeen’’, which is also known as 'Peari spot fish’, is one of the most important fish species in Kerala. Even though it was officially announced as the 'State Fish of Kerala' in only the year 2010, karimeen is the most influential fish in the lifestyle of Kerala. Karimeen is highly nutritive as food. Pearl spots have the special ability to live equally in both pure and saline waters. They are mainly found in rivers, ponds, farm fields, canals and estuaries. Karnataka and Orissa are the other major states in India, where karimeen is found. Due to the favouring geographical conditions of the coastlines in Kerala, almost 10 per cent of the local freshwater fish found in Kerala are karimeen. With its increasing demand, the price of the fish variety is also soaring. Apart from the growing demand from local market and domestic tourism sector, the fish is also exported in large quantity to foreign markets as well. Though, Kerala produces 2000 tonnes of Karimeen annually, it is not sufficient to meet the rising demand for 'Kerala Karimeen' inside and outside the state. This paper presents the different package of practices of karimeen farming and analyses the economics of the pearl spot hatchery technology and farming in cages and farms involving monoculture and polyculture. The analysis in d ic a te s the economic viability of pearl spot as a candidate species for farming in Kerala, which could provide alternate vocation and good remuneration to the fishers.