Analysis of major factors inhibiting fish growers from undertaking decisions regarding value addition in national capital region of India

Abstract

An analytical study to find out the inhibitors among the fish farmers to undertake processing in National Capital Region (NCR) of India was conducted from December 2014 to May 2015 in Karnal district of Haryana. A comprehensive list of fifty fish farmers was prepared in consultation with different agencies and organizations promoting fisheries activity. In order to identify different inhibitors and to measure their severity a Likert like scale was constructed. Reliability (Cornbach alpha coefficient of rating scale is 0.767) and validity of the scale constructed was tested with the help of selected fish farmers and experts. Data on severity of inhibitors were collected from randomly selected fish farmers analysed with non-parametric test like Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA and Friedman’s two - way ANOVA. Multiple pair wise comparisons using Nemenyi's procedure / Two-tailed test was also conducted in each dimension of inhibitors for finding significant difference among each factors and placing them in homogenous groups. The mean rank corresponding to infrastructure related inhibitors (42.65) is more and therefore it was the most important inhibiting factor among the fish farmers. It was followed by financial inhibitors with mean rank of 32.10. Least inhibiting factors for fish processing among fish growers were socio-psychological factors (Mean Rank 10.15). Unavailability of machineries in this place (6.20) has been identified as major factor among technical inhibitors. Unavailability of credits (Mean Rank 6.80) and lack of awareness about government support policies (Mean Rank 6.00) were found the major financial inhibitors. Most severe inhibitors under market related factors were lack of market intelligence and inability to find market for value added produce (lack of demand) were with highest mean ranks (6.05 and 5.85 respectively). This study results also revealed that lack of cold storage for keeping the raw products (Mean Rank 6.20) as the major infrastructure related inhibitor among fish farmers.