Praduman Kumar

Demand for Fish in Asia: A Cross-Country Analysis

Fish demand patterns in nine Asian countries were investigated using a multistage budgeting framework allowing a disaggregated approach to analysing fish consumption. This paper highlights the heterogeneity of fisheries products in terms of species, sources and cultural responses of consumers, factors that are important in fish demand under the Asian setting. Specifically, fish demand by income groups were compared to determine how the low- and high-income households respond to price and income changes. Results showed that the estimated price and income elasticities of all fish types included in the study were relatively more elastic among the poorer households.

PERFORMANCE AND NATURE OF GENETICALLY IMPROVED CARP STRAINS IN ASIAN COUNTRIES

The WorldFish Center and its research partners have recently made efforts to develop genetically improved carp strains. This paper analyses the comparative performance of the genetically improved carp strains on both average and efficient farms in four carp-dominating Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Vietnam). The results show superior performance of improved strains in terms of body weight and survival rate on both average and efficient farms. On an average farm, the improved carp strain gives 15% higher body weight at harvest in India to 36% higher in Bangladesh. On an efficient farm also, the improved carp strain gives similar higher body weight at harvest. The improved carp strain has a higher survival rate on average farms, ranging from 7% in Thailand to about 27% in India. A higher carp yield is predicted for improved strains as compared to local strains under average as well as efficient farms. Genetically improved carp strains are generally neutral to feed use, and can be reared with the existing endowments of farmers and harvested for higher yield per unit area. It is expected that farmers would be able to sell the genetically improved carp fish at a lower market price. The study suggests that countries engaged in selective breeding program should continue their efforts in stock improvement and production of fish at lower cost to benefit both producers and consumers.

Trends in the consumption of milk and milk products in India: implications for self-sufficiency in milk production

This study is an attempt to present a comprehensive picture of trends in consumption of milk and milk products, and estimate possible demand and supplies of milk in India by 2026–27 i.e. the end of XIVth Five Year Plan. (India has been following Five Year Plans for development of the economy. The 12th (2012–17) Five Year Plan is on-going.) The study is primarily based on data extracted from the quinquennial survey of the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) on consumption expenditure. Rising demands for milk and milk products will put India under constant pressure to maintain the existing growth in milk production. Any deceleration in growth of milk production will jeopardize India’s ability to meet its domestic requirements for milk in the long run.

Under-employment and Work among Women in Rural Andhra Pradesh

The paper examine the changes in work participation and employment pattern of women in rural Andhra Pradesh during 1993-94 to 1999-2000 based on the unit level data of NSSO 50th and 55th rounds. Participation in economic activities decreases and unemployment increases with levels of education, as opportunities for educated women are low in rural areas. Employment in service sector and regular employment increases with level of education. Gender differences in wages were quite high. Wage differences between males and females ranged from 50% among casual labourers in services to 193% in regular employed in industry. However, there seems to be reduction in wage differences among gender as well as among sectors during 1993-94 to 1999-00.

Food Consumption Pattern and Dietary Diversity in Nepal: Implications for Nutrition Security

This article examines the status, progress and challenges of managing food and nutrition security in Nepal, one of the least developed countries, by using data from the national living standards surveys conducted jointly by Government of Nepal and World Bank. Nepal, like many other developing countries, is struggling to ensure food and nutrition security. This study analyses the dimensions of food security in terms of availability, access and utilization (nutritional outcome). The analysis shows that the trends in food consumption pattern and nutritional intake have changed significantly overtime. The diversity in dietary pattern has become more apparent over time and the dietary diversity depicts a positive impact on nutritional outcome.