International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
DR Palwe, BM Yadav, KJ Chaudhari, SM Wasave, SV Patil, SS Gangan, BV Naik, SC Kamble, MN Nasre, VR Gote and CR Dutt

abstract
Shrimp aquaculture play a vital role in the livelihood of millions of people around the world. The present study was carried out to gain information about the socio-economic situation of shrimp farmers, as well as the economic constraints faced by shrimp farmers in the Raigad area. A total of 70 shrimp farms from Alibag, Murud, Shrivardhan, and Mhasala taluka of Raigad district were selected for study with a pre-tested interview schedule. The study found that the majority of shrimp farmers belonged to the middle age group, had 1-5 years of experience in shrimp farming and the majority practiced Hinduism, Maximum shrimp farmers were educated up to graduate level, maximum farmers have the pucca type of house, most of shrimp farmers were having nuclear family and most of the shrimp farmers were having a family size of 1-5 members. Maximum shrimp farmers had annual income between 6 to 10 lakhs. Feed technician was the main source of information (87.15%) for of shrimp farmers and profit was the main source of motivation of shrimp farmers. Initial high investment was the major economic constraint faced by shrimp farmers of the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Shrimp price fluctuation was a major marketing constraint faced by shrimp farmers. Lack of experience was a major socio-personal constraint faced by shrimp farmers. Lack of disease diagnosis laboratory was a major technical constraint faced by shrimp farmers and disease outbreak was a major environmental constraint faced by shrimp farmers of Raigad district of Maharashtra. Shrimp farming provides employment to a large number of the population hence it is important to understand the socio-economic conditions of the shrimp farmers and also what problems they are facing to find necessary solutions to the practices performed by shrimp farmers for their betterment.