Dr. Jayaraman, RDr. Selvaraj, PDr. Felix, NUMAMAHESWARI, T2018-08-162018-08-162003http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810064613The study was taken up to analyse the economics of aquariculture (ornamental fish culture) by applying alternative costing techniques such as cost- plus method in Thoothukkudi and Madurai districts during the period 2002-2003. The specific objectives of the study were to estimate the unit cost of production, to price the selected ornamental fishes by cost-plus method, to compare the estimated prices with the actual selling prices, to estimate a cost function on total cost and variable cost bases, to identify the marketing channels and constraints to aquariculture and to offer policy suggestions for aquariculture development in the regions. The required data were collected from over 95 % of the farmers and 85 % of the retailers in both the districts by administering a structured interview schedule to the respondents. Thoothukkudi district The total farm area (4.14 ha) was classified into institutionally based and non-institutionally based units. The estimated total cost was Rs. 30,75,820, constituting a total fixed cost of Rs. 10,24,112 and total variable cost of Rs. 20,51,708. Farmers realized a total returns and net returns of Rs. 41,63,900 and Rs. 10,88,081 respectively. The cost benefit ratios were 1.35 and 2.03 on total cost and total variable cost bases respectively. Apportioned total cost was used for computing mark-up and net returns in ornamental fish production and business. Cost function was estimated on total cost basis, where apportioned total cost was considered as a function of production (Y). Temperature fluctuation during peak summer and winter periods and environmental factors in adverse conditions, mortality and disease outbreak, pilfering and social problems and absence of adequate knowledge on aquariculture were the major resource, production, management and extension constraints respectively. Madurai district In Madurai district, the selected farms were classified into leased-in (0.37 ha) and non-leased in (7.395 ha) farm units. The estimated total variable cost was Rs. 68,42,934 and the total fixed cost was Rs. 18,78,496 constituting total cost of Rs. 87,21,430. The estimated total returns and net returns were Rs. 1,11,02,500 and Rs. 23,81,070 respectively. The cost benefit ratios on total cost and total variable cost bases were 1.27 and 1.62 respectively. Apportioned total cost and total variable cost were used for computing mark-up and net returns for ornamental fishes produced in Madurai district. Cost function was estimated on both total cost and total variable cost bases. Collection of live feed in distant areas, mortality and disease outbreak, non-accessibility to farms, location of shops in interior areas and prevailing tough competition and absence of adequate knowledge on aquariculture were the major resource, production, management and extension constraints respectively. The different marketing channels followed by fish farmers were investigated in both the districts. It has been found that Channel I (Producer/ Wholesaler  Retailer  Consumer and Producer/Retailer  Consumer) was widely followed by medium farmers of both Thoothukkudi (33 %) and Madurai (27 %) districts.ennullThesis