Sustainability of Feed-based Aquaculture in Bangladesh

Abstract

Six carp and carp based culture technologies were selected to examine the sustainability of supplementary feed-based aquaculture through availability of domestic feeds compared to the total requirement in Bangladesh. The study covered seven districts of Bangladesh with a sample size of 376. It was found that farmers used a good number of feeds (more than 35) for the selected technologies but they maintained no standard doses for them. There were important differences among the prices of different feeds and other inputs used for different technologies in different parts of the country. Prices of all inputs were found to be increasing and this increase has been greater in recent years as compared to previous years. Though all the technologies were found to be profitable, the feed situation was not satisfactory. Except for rice polish, the supplies of other local feeds were unable to meet the national demand. If this situation persists and no measures are taken to secure the local feed supply, the present development of supplementary feed-based aquaculture will become dependent on imported feeds and would not be sustainable in the future. This study strongly suggests that the authorities should handle the matter with proper attention, considering its significant impact in the economy of the country.