Working Paper 4.PDF

Disclaimer: This publication is an output from a project funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) for the benefit of developing countries. The views expressed are not necessarily those of DFID. iii Executive summary 1. The development and evolution of farming strategies in PU Kolkata is reviewed, historical events influencing this process are discussed and prevailing geographic and climatic conditions are presented. Aspects of local governa nce, population growth and urbanisation are also discussed to better describe the social and institutional pressures that contributed to the emergence of PU farming, and which now threaten its viability. 2. The primary objective of this survey of farm manage rs was to address gaps in the existing knowledge base concerning current management practices and arrangements. Knowledge generated concerning general employment practices, labour demands and market channels will be used to better focus future project activities, in particular identifying selected groups of the poor for inclusion in focus groups and household interviews. Knowledge on constraints facing producers will be used to identify and promote enhanced PU natural resource management strategies and policy initiatives that benefit the poor. 3. Managers of farms producing fish, vegetables or rice, the three main production systems in PU Kolkata were selected at random and interviewed employing a pre-tested semi-structure questionnaire. Data collected were summarised and information from secondary sources used to better describe the setting in which PU farming is undertaken, and in particular key emerging constraints that threaten the viability of current farming activities. 4. Estimates concerning the extent of aquaculture in PU Kolkata vary from 2,500 ha to over 3,000 ha, however, individual farms are usually small (<2 ha) or moderately sized (2-20 ha). Various management arrangements exist, resulting largely from land reform and prevailing socioeconomic conditions. Indian Major Carp and tilapia dominate production, however, several factors influence stocking regimes on individual farms. 5. Direct employment in various capacities constitutes an important benefit of PU aquaculture for poor people in the region, ho wever, labour unions play an important role in regulating employment and setting terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are largely responsible for the widespread strategy of frequent stocking and harvesting, which in turn means regular employment for those engaged in the seed supply network and results in year round supplies of relatively small, affordable fish to local and urban markets. Employment and income generating opportunities provided by supplying seed, distributing and …