Leased pond fish farming and livelihood status of farmers in Jamalpur district

Sixty pond fish farmers of three upazilas (sub-districts) were interviewed with structured questionnaire. Farmers cultured fish more intensively using sufficient fertilizers and supplementary feeds and production was 7,549.5 kg/ha. Price of inputs, lack of money, lease cost and disease control were the major problems. Feeds cost was the highest (55.6%) of total cost and benefit cost ratio was 1.28. Fish farming was the primary occupation for 70% respondents and 48.3% farmers was found depending on loan. Most of the fish farmers (76.7%) had ordinary social status and 83.3% had scientific training. Household income was increased 69.6% and improved lifestyle after practicing fish farming. Farmers should be given facilities on input availabilities and credit facilities and communication should be developed with upazila fisheries officer and fisheries scientist.