Adoption of sea cage farming of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) by fishermen self-help groups as a diversified livelihood option: A success story from Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) is the pioneer in developing the technology for cage fish farming in India. Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) grows relatively fast in cages and is very much suited for small scale mariculture to meet the alternate livelihood needs of fisherfolk. Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI has developed the technology for breeding, seed production and farming of cobia in cages and organised training, and frontline/participatory demonstration programmes which have aided in creating awareness about the techno economic viability of cage farming among the fisherfolk in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu. A survey was taken up among a sample of 75 members of fisher self help groups (SHGs) who had adopted cage farming of cobia, in order to assess their perception and attributes about the technology as well as the constraints faced by them. The study found that fast growth rate of cobia, shorter culture period, good farm gate price, high market demand, ease of farming near the seashore and seed availability were the important attributes which attracted the fishermen groups to take up the farming. The innovations introduced by the fishers in cage farming technology were also documented. Majority of the fishers stated, non-availability of seed during peak stocking season, high cost of pellet feed, fluctuating cost of low value fishes which are used as feed for cobia and poaching as major constraints in cage farming.