UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Cage aquaculture has flourished well across the globe. In India, inland open-cage aquaculture has gained prominence. The country has started seeking cage potential in untapped lakes and reservoirs to increase fish production, meet the protein demand, and provide livelihood opportunities to local landless fishers. In this context, the Department of Fisheries, Jammu and Kashmir, started experimental cage farming in Manasbal Lake Kashmir in 2013-14. However, after completing the project in 2016-17, the cage farming practice in the lake was stopped. Considering this, an economic analysis of the experimental cage culture was mandatory to know the reasons for its failure and suggest evidence-based interventions to avoid such shortcomings for other temperate water bodies in the country. The net present value (₹ -713844), benefit-cost ratio (-0.97), internal rate of return (<0%) and negative payback period (-5.94) showed non-economic viability and poor financial performance of the venture in the region. Feed expenses formed the highest cost component of ₹ 302170 (86.27%) among variable costs, followed by permanent human labour of ₹ 2 lakhs (51.53%) among the annual fixed costs. The production of one kilogram of fish required ₹ 220, which remunerated ₹ 120 as revenue. Future research could focus on developing locally-sourced feed ingredients and creating cost-effective floating feed formulations that meet the dietary needs of exotic carps, particularly for cage culture in lakes like Dal, Manasbal, and Wular in Kashmir. Proper utilization of scientific knowledge can help to improve the economic viability of cages in the region. Besides, other livelihood opportunities can also be provided for local fishers by modifying the cage for recreational purposes.