Comparative economics of shrimp farming in Asia

This paper reviews the trends and economics of hatchery and grow-out phases of shrimp fanning in Asia. The economics of small, medium and large-scale hatcheries are evaluated based on a recent Philippine study. Costs and returns of shrimp grow-outs in major Asian producing countries are analyzed based on a recent farm performance survey conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia-Pacific (NACA). The costs and returns of extensive, semi-intensive and intensive farming systems are compared within the producing country, and the economic efficiency of each system is compared among the major producing countries. Comparative advantage of producing and marketing of shrimp among major producing countries in Asia is also evaluated. Limitations for future development and factors affecting the sustainable growth of the shrimp industry are also discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.