Cost-benefit analysis of mud crab fattening in coastal areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

In crab production, the term fattening is used when underweight soft-shelled crablets are stocked and reared for a few weeks until their gonad develops. Mud crab fattening has become a popular adaptation strategy in response to climate change in coastal Bangladesh. This study aimed to estimate the profitability and resource use efficiency of mud crab fattening in coastal areas. Primary data were collected from 150 randomly selected crab farmers. Descriptive statistics and the Cobb–Douglas production function were used to estimate mud crab fattening profitability and efficiency. Results of the study revealed that the variable and total costs of mud crab production were USD 4293 and USD 6104, respectively. The net return amounted to USD 4418 per hectare, while the benefit–cost ratio (BCR) was 1.72. Crablets, feed, and bamboo fencing (locally known as bana) positively affected the productivity. The optimal use of these resources could enhance resource use efficiency. Crab fattening was affected by some constraints, including disease infestation, poor quality of crablet, shortage of capital, and insufficient technical knowledge of production. Providing training on crab fattening and establishing sufficient numbers of crablet hatcheries could enhance the profitability and resource use efficiency of this farming.

Keywords

• Cobb–Douglas production function
• Constraints
• Production factors
• Profitability
• Resource use efficiency
• Salinity