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.