Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Adoption of Aquaculture Practices

The present study was conducted in West Champaran and East Champaran districts of Bihar with the objective to assess the socio-economic profile and the adoption level of scientific aquaculture practices among fish farmers. Improving aquaculture production by adopting scientific aquaculture practices into the existing farming system is essential for the food and nutritional security of the farmers and their income. The study also attempted to identify factors that influence the adoption of scientific aquaculture practices. Data from 144 fish farmers were analysed and it was found that the majority (70.1%) of the fish farmers were middle aged with 56% having high school to graduate level education which is an important factor influencing adoption of new technology. Results also indicate that sex, age, extension participation, land size, income and family size are the other factors that influence the adoption of scientific aquaculture practices.