Analysis of costs and returns of mechanized fishing boat operations in India

Abstract

This article makes an attempt to analyze the cost and returns of Mechanized Fishing Boat Operators (MFBO’s) and the determinants of the selected MFBOs. The study is based on a sample of 180 MFBOs operating from Visakhapatnam fishing harbor in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Visakahapatnam is one of prominent coastal cities in the East coast of India. According to the records of the Visakhapatnam Port Trust and Visakhapatnam fishing harbor, there are 600 mechanized fishing boats. Out of this, 450 are of Sona type and 150 are of Sorra type. For the present study a sample of 120 Sona type and 60 Sorra type MFBOs are selected. Primary data and information on selected variables are collected by means of a well-structured Schedule. The selected variables are Personnel employed, Frequency of voyage, Voyage Period (in days), Voyages per Annum, Area of Fishing, Cost Structure of Marine Fishing Boat Operations (Berth Charges, Fuel Charges, Cost of Lubricants, Cost of Ice, Salaries and Wages, Cost of Food Materials and Water, Cost of Repairs and Replacements), Total Variable Cost (TVC), Total Volume of the Catch, Total Value of the Catch, Annual Total Value of the Catch, and Profit Per Annum. The conclusions arrived at would be useful to formulate constructive policies that enhance the profitability as well as economic status of MFBOs.