SCOPE AND ECONOMICS OF INLAND FISH FARMING IN NASIRABAD AND JAFFARABAD DISTRICTS OF BALOCHISTAN

Fish farming has a substantial potential to improve the livelihood of people in the Nasirabad division, Balochistan, this division has the only canal irrigated areas that connects with Sindh province. This study is based on cross sectional data collected in the year 2020 for the calendar year 2019 from 67 fish farmers of the Nasirabad and Jaffarabad districts. The study aimed at the economic analysis of the fish culturing best on the size of the farm, as a standard for farmers’ ability to invest in and manage the fish farming business. Fish production and marketing issues faced by the farmers have also been highlighted, and appropriate actions were suggested for public sector departments. The fish producers used in a mix species and they grow 72.56 % more than two fish varieties in our fish farms. The average cost of fish production and net return was conculated Rs. 238274 and 116511 respectively. The findings of the study showed that, modern aquaculture can effectively improve the socio-economic conditions of the farming community in the study area. Fish farming generates considerable financial gains for the farmers with a benefit-cost ratio of 1:1.96. This cututring is an economical and viable business activity, with more chances of empolyeement from culturing to marketing. The activity may be boosted to enhance livelihood and socioeconomic conditions in the study area.