Since 1990, the aquaculture extension activities through TDES are being carried out in 14 Thanas under Rajshahi Division. During this period the number of RDs increased from 68 to 184. Nearly 50 hectares of water area were used for the demonstration of improved practices. A total member of 1453 FFs were motivated to adopt the improved practices through their RDs.
The average production per hectare per year increased from 980kg to 3373 kg. While the average benefit cost ratio increased from 1:1.94 to 1:3.85. On the other hand, the average production cost for one kg of fish reduced from 20.59 to 8.69 (see table 1).
The aquaculture extension activities started in 2 phases, the first in 1991 and the other in 1992. Six Thanas in Jessore and Jhenaidha districts were covered. During this span of time, the number of RDs increased from 37 to 167. Water area of 34.86 hectares was covered under demonstration activities. A total number of 1564 FFs worked closely with their RDs.
In one year, the average production of fish increased from 932kg to 3915kg per hectare. The benefit cost ratio increased from 1:1.55 to 1:2.65. While, the average production cost for one kg of fish reduced from Tk.21.98 to Tk.9.47 (see table 2).
The aquaculture extension activities started in 2 phases (one in 1990 and the other one in 1992) in 8 different Thanas of 3 Districts. During this period, the number of RDs increased from 34 to 82. Water area of 24.31 hectares was brought under demonstration activities. A total member of 465 FFs were linked up with their RDs.
The average fish production per hectare per year increased from 661kg to 3239kg. The benefit cost ratio increased from 1:1.31 to 1:3.80. The fish production cost for one kg reduced from Tk.28.00 to Tk.9.33 (see table 3).
The aquaculture extension activities has started recently (May 1992). Harvesting is yet to be taken up and this is why it was not possible to give any factual information in this report. However, number of RDs and linked FFs and their water area are shown in table 4.
