Economics and production performance of Ompok pabda (Hamilton, 1822) aquaculture in southwestern Bangladesh

Aquaculture plays a vital role in meeting the rising global demand for nutritious food, and the culture of high-value freshwater species has become increasingly important for sustaining rural livelihoods in developing countries. This study evaluated the production performance and economic viability of Ompok pabda aquaculture under intensive culture systems in southwestern Bangladesh. Data were collected from 40 farms in the Jhanpa area of Manirampur, Jashore, through direct observation, farm records, and structured interviews. Farmers practiced two production cycles annually, stocking approximately 750–900 fry per decimal, with aeration applied to maintain suitable dissolved oxygen levels. A five-month culture period produced an average yield of about 36,00 kg (considering a 10% mortality rate) from 100,000 fry, equivalent to a fry-to-weight conversion of 25 fish per kilogram. Feed management followed a staged regime, beginning with powdered feed and gradually transitioning to 0.60–1.30 mm pellets, which supported steady growth and efficient feed utilization. The total production cost for one cycle ranged from 899,616 to 901,616 BDT, with feed comprising the largest share. Seasonal variations in market price strongly influenced profitability. Revenue was lower during the culture period from July to November, yielding a net profit of about 45,000 BDT, while higher prices from February to June increased the net profit to roughly 270,000 BDT for the same production volume. The economic efficiency index was 250 BDT/kg. These findings demonstrate that O. pabda farming can be profitable when supported by appropriate stocking, aeration, and feeding practices. The clear influence of seasonal price variation highlights the importance of harvest planning to maximize economic returns. Overall, these results provide an evidence-based management framework to support farmers and policymakers in promoting the sustainable expansion of high-value O. pabda aquaculture in Bangladesh. The findings offer practical guidance for optimizing O. pabda aquaculture, aiding farmers and policymakers in enhancing production efficiency, profitability, and sustainable freshwater fish farming.