Cost and Return of Tilapia Farming in Clay Pond in Ban Pao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lampang Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to study cost and return of tilapia farming in clay pond at Ban Pao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lampang Province and to use the data in assisting decision on investment among tilapia farmers in the future. A study was conducted and data collected through an in-depth interview with 35 farmers who raise tilapia in clay pond in Ban Pao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lampang Province. The findings showed that tilapia farmers did not have cost and return data that could be used for decision making in fish farming and management.

The results of the study showed that total cost of raising tilapia farming in clay pond was 37,534.31 baht/rai/crop, equivalent to the cost per kilogram of 46.00 baht. The total revenue from the sale was 44,880 baht/rai/crop, representing the selling price per kilogram equal to 55 baht. This generated a net profit of 7,345.69 baht/rai/crop, representing a profit per kilogram of 9.00 baht. The gross profit margin was 16.37 percent, resulting in a 25.97 percent return on investment and the break-even point was 62.02 kg/rai/crop, equivalent to 3,411.03 baht. It was clearly seen that raising tilapia in agriculture was still worthwhile. But government agencies should have a policy to support and promote tilapia farming to maintain the standard that will increase the potential of tilapia exports to foreign markets.