Production Economics of Indian Major Carp Farming: Evidence from Moyna Block of Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Aim: The study presents a detailed economic analysis of Indian major carp (IMC) farming under the Moyna Model, focusing on the cost structure, profitability, and productivity of IMC farmers in Moyna Block, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal. Study Design: A cross-sectional, survey-based design with a multistage random sampling technique was used to collect primary data from IMC farmers through a well-structured, pre-tested interview schedule. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in five gram panchayats (Gokulnagar, Moyna I, Moyna II, Naichanpur I, and Naichanpur II) of Moyna Block in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, India, during the 2024-25 crop season. Methodology: Thirty farmers (six from each panchayat) were randomly selected. Economic parameters, including capital, variable, and fixed costs, were calculated per bigha (1,333.33 m2). Total cost, total revenue, and profit were calculated using standard methods. Farm efficiency was measured using the Productivity Index (PI%). Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed using SPSS. Results: The average total capital cost was ₹14,205 ± 4,586.31 per bigha, with pond inlet-outlet construction and farm equipment making the largest contributions. The average total variable cost was ₹141,666 ± 48,594.99 per bigha, with seed and feed costs being significant contributors. The average total fixed cost was ₹16,545 ± 6,139.50 per bigha. The average total cost was ₹151,666 per bigha, whereas the average total revenue was ₹203,730 per bigha, resulting in an average profit of ₹52,064 per bigha and a reported margin of 33.87%. The overall mean Productivity Index was 129.57%, indicating that the farms operated above the stated baseline threshold. Conclusion: IMC farming under the Moyna Model was economically viable and profitable among the sampled farms, supported by infrastructure investment and efficient input management. The findings indicate scope for further productivity gains through optimised input use and suggest that the model may have relevance for aquaculture-based rural development in West Bengal.