Assessment of Training Needs for Pangas Fish Farmers in Disease Management: A Study in Selected Areas of Trishal Upazila, Mymensingh District, Bangladesh

Abstract

Enhancing the capacity of fish farmers is crucial for ensuring the profitability and sustainability of aquaculture in Bangladesh. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the training needs of fish farmers in managing diseases affecting Pangasius hypophthalmus (Pangas) and to identify the socio-economic factors influencing these needs. The research was conducted in three purposively selected villages—Bashkuri, Kanhor, and Hodder Vita—within Bailor Union of Trishal Upazila in Mymensingh District, an area with a high concentration of Pangas farmers and significant dependence on aquaculture for their livelihoods. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs), while quantitative data were gathered through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire with 101 randomly selected fish farmers. Training needs were evaluated across 13 key aspects using a four-point rating scale, and individual training need scores were calculated accordingly. The findings revealed that 52% of the respondents had medium-level training needs, 40% exhibited high training needs, while only 8% had low training needs. Priority training areas included disease diagnosis, water quality management, appropriate use of medications, and the preparation of high-quality fish feed. The training need assessment across 13 disease management aspects identified key priority areas: identification of major Pangas diseases, water quality management, application of different types of medicine and their doses against disease in Pangas fish, and preparation of quality fish feed. These findings highlight the farmers’ urgent need for both foundational knowledge and technical skills, suggesting that future training programs should be structured around three core modules: disease diagnosis, preventive farm management, and remedial treatment practices. Results from linear multiple regression analysis indicated that education level, household size, training exposure, organizational participation, social mobility, extension media contact, and knowledge of disease management were significant determinants of training needs. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Department of Fisheries (DoF) and relevant stakeholders develop and implement targeted, need-based capacity-building programs to address the identified training gaps, thereby enhancing disease management practices and promoting more sustainable and profitable pangas culture among fish farmers in the study area.