Dealers perception on aqua feed business in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

The present study was aimed to analyze the profile of aqua dealers and their perception on aqua feed business in Andhra Pradesh. The average age of aqua dealers was 40 years with majority of the dealers have completed graduation (48%). The average initial investment in the aqua feed dealership business was ₹ 1.8 Cr. with an average initial deposit of ₹ 7 Lakh with feed company. The aqua dealers were keeping average target of 5 tonnes/day and 1300 tonnes/year. Majority (71%) of the aqua dealers were engaged in both cash and credit mode of business and maintained an average profit margin of 10% while expecting a minimum of 40% protein in the aqua feeds for better business. The major market competitors for aqua feed business were Avanthi (38%) and CP (31%). The aqua dealers have reported CP (39%) and Avanthi (26%) as best feed brands in Andhra Pradesh. Financial capability (31%) and assets of aqua farmer (23%) were the key factors to involve in the credit mode of business. Credit mode of business (39%) and credit recovery from the farmers (28%) were the potential major risks in the aqua dealership business. The aqua dealers were expecting additional services of credit support (28%) from authorized financial institutions and technical personnel support (24%) from the feed companies for the aqua farmers.