Journal of Fisheries and Life Sciences

Author(s): Ajit Kumar Roy

Abstract: Results of Impact Assessment of an intervention ‘‘Brackish Water Aquaculture Technology’ implemented at farmer’s field under NAIP project at different villages of south 24-Pargans district of West Bengal aiming for rainwater harvesting for irrigating crops is reported. Farm data was collected from the randomly selected farmers of both Intervened and control groups. Partial budgeting analysis was done to assess the comparative performances with respect to sources of income and livelihoods, diversification of input cost, labour cost, employment generation, production etc. Partial budgeting parameters like estimated costs, returns, net income and profit are found favorable for most Intervened Technologies compared to the existing farming practices The impact of ‘Brackish Water Aquaculture Technology’ can be assessed from the fact that the landscape and cropping pattern has been changed from single crop to multi crop round the year resulting in enhanced productivity, employment generation, income and related activities arresting migration of people to cities in search of jobs for livelihood in intervened farmer’s plots compared to those in control plots. Livelihood opportunities have increased considerably in the area without affecting the environment. Beneficiaries and family members are observed fully engaged in farming, marketing and associated activities. Many people have been affected directly and indirectly in agriculture related activities like farming, input supply, trading, marketing and transport operations as a result of intervention of the proven technology of ICAR-CIBA adopted by NAIP for field extension. The ‘Brackish Water Aquaculture Technology’ having potential of manifold increase productivity in the low lying saline belt of Sundarbans which depends on tide water inflow, may be continued to a wider section of non-beneficiaries for long term social, economic, benefit and social equity resulting in a balanced society framework