Abstract

Aquaculture plays a vital role in enhancing rural livelihoods and ensuring food security, especially in regions such as Tripura, India, where fisheries significantly contribute to the socio-economic landscape. This study examines the adoption of aquaculture technologies among 60 artisanal fish farmers in the Gomati district, delving into socio-economic factors, adoption trends and prevalent challenges. A comprehensive evaluation of a 10-item aquaculture technology package categorized adoption levels into low (<0.33), medium (0.33-0.66) and high (>0.66). Findings reveal that nearly half of the respondents (48.33%) exhibited low adoption levels, primarily due to limited resources, financial constraints and insufficient technical knowledge. Key practices, including feeding, pond maintenance and fish preservation, were notably underused. ANOVA analysis indicated that land ownership, income and experience significantly influenced the levels of adoption, while education and family structure did not show a significant correlation. Quadrant analysis categorized practices based on their adoption frequency and associated challenges, highlighting priority areas for intervention. High-adoption practices such as pond preparation and harvesting can serve as a foundation for promoting additional technologies. To tackle these challenges, policy-driven interventions are essential. These should include strengthening extension services, improving access to low-interest credit and promoting resource-efficient technologies like biofloc systems. Tailored programs aimed at young farmers, women and marginalized groups can enhance inclusivity, while developing market infrastructure and fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs) can mitigate uncertainties and improve profitability. By integrating financial support, capacity building and sustainable practices, policymakers can facilitate greater adoption of aquaculture technologies, resulting in increased productivity, income and rural development in Tripura.

Debnath, S., Debnath, B., Savaliya, B., 2024. Understanding aquaculture technology adoption patterns among fish farmers in Tripura. Research Biotica, 2024, online first.