Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

Aims: To assess the socio-economic characteristics, motivations, and training levels of rural households engaged in Magur (Clarias batrachus) seed production using low-cost hatchery systems, and to examine the relationship between demographic variables and enterprise orientation.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study using structured surveys and statistical analysis.

Place and Duration of Study: Kalindi Village, Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, India, conducted during the years 2022–2024.

Methodology: A purposive survey was conducted among 244 smallholder farmers involved in Magur seed production using low-cost hatchery infrastructure. Data were collected via structured interviews, field observation, and questionnaires covering demographics, education, aquaculture experience, training, and enterprise motivation. Cross-tabulations and chi-square tests were used to analyze relationships among variables such as age, education, family size, and enterprise aim.

Results: Among the 244 respondents, 98.4% were male and 43.8% were graduates or higher. While 56.92% had 10–20 years of experience, only 23.1% received formal hatchery training. A vast majority (93.03%) were engaged in seed production to meet household needs, and only 6.97% cited profit maximization. Chi-square analysis showed no significant association between family size or education level and enterprise aim (p = 0.301 and p = 0.274 respectively), but a highly significant association with age group (p < 0.0001), indicating that younger farmers were more commercially motivated.

Conclusion: Low-cost hatchery systems provide important livelihood support in rural aquaculture but are predominantly subsistence-oriented. Young, educated farmers show greater commercial interest. Promoting targeted training, market linkages, and inclusive policies could help transform these ventures into sustainable aquaculture enterprises.