Economic analysis of fishmeal plants in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka

Abstract

Fishmeal is a highly concentrated nutritious feed ingredient produced by processing of low value fishes and trash fish which are either not suitable for human consumption or has limited consumer preference. It is mainly used as ingredient for preparation of aqua feeds, poultry feeds or animal feeds. The growing demand for aquafeed production and increased landings of low value fishes promoted the establishment of a number of fishmeal plants in the country. Oil sardines, stomatopods, silver bellies and other trash fishes are usually preferred for preparing fishmeal. The trash fishes once discarded by the trawlers are now brought to shore as they realize an economic value owing to the demand from fishmeal plants.