Training needs of the freshwater fish growers in Assam, India

Abstract

A study was conducted in five rural development blocks of India to investigate the training needs of 
freshwater fish growers. A total of fifty fish growers having training exposures were interviewed using a 
structured questionnaire. Independent variables included thirteen socio-economic parameters and 
dependant variables included seven critical technical areas. Frequency and percentage, mean score, 
standard deviation (SD), co-efficient of variance (CV) and simple correlation were analyzed. The study 
revealed that majority of the respondents need trainings on water quality management (80%). Only 16 
and 10% respondents expressed training need on fish seed handling and transportation, and fish 
nutrition and feeding, respectively. Negatively significant correlations were observed between interest 
and attitude towards fish farming age and education. Individual independent characteristic and training 
needs of the farmers had negative correlations with education (X2) (p<0.01) and attitude (X13) (p<0.05). 
Positively significant correlation between possession of pond (X5) and age (X1) (p<0.01), income (X4) 
and age (X1) (p<0.01), economic motivation (X7) and age (X1) (p<0.01), decision-making ability (X8) and 
age (X1) (p<0.05), attitude (X13) and education (X2) (p<0.05), income (X4) and main occupation 
(X3)(p<0.05). The study concluded that before assessing the training needs, the fish growers of the 
district should be made aware of the latest technologies in aquaculture.