Economic Efficiency of Crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) Polyculture Farmers in the Coastal Area of Yancheng City, China

摘要

Polyculture is commonly practiced in pond aquaculture where several fish species are reared together, creating a multioutput production structure. This study examines the technical (TE), allocative (AE) and economic efficiency (EE) of the most widely practiced fish-producing polyculture system in the coastal area of Yancheng city, China, which deals mostly with the production of crucian carp alongside silver carp and bighead carp. Data envelopment analysis is used to measure the efficiencies, while Tobit regression is applied to identify the factors affecting efficiencies. The estimated TE, AE and EEs are 0.92, 0.96, and 0.88 respectively. Crucian carp polyculture is characterized by moderate technical inefficiencies, necessitating the development and dissemination of new technology to increase the productivity of these farmers. On average, small ponds were found to be more technically efficient while large ponds were found to have higher allocative and scale efficiencies. Additionally, Tobit regression revealed a positive effect between farm size and efficiencies. These findings provide some support for the current standardized pond program in China. The use of hired labor decreased technical efficiencies of fish farmers. Fingerling size had a significant positive effect on efficiencies. In order to manage constantly expanding crucian carp polyculture, farmers should be provided with information on sizable fingerlings, economic pond sizes, and employee supervision, among other factors.