Analysis of factor costs contribution change for fingerling production of Kutum fish (Rutilus frisii kutum Kamensky, 1901) in Iran

Contribution change of factor costs analysis may help managers in decision making and in adjusting to changes. Over the last two decades, production and enhancement of kutum fingerlings have increased in Iran, reaching to more than 229 million fingerlings by 2005, but declined to 187 million from 2005 to 2008. Over the years 2002-2006, a study of fingerling production costs for kutum fish was carried out. For this purpose, a questionnaire was prepared and filled out by an expert team using data available in kutum hatcheries for fingerling production and other related departments in Iranian Fisheries Organization. Among various expenditures, the contribution cost of labor with the greatest share averaged almost 40% of total costs, followed by feed and fertilizer which averaged more than 15%. Results show, in average, the production cost of a single kutum fingerling was 100 IR Rials (US$ 0.01), which varies from almost 37 IR Rials in 2001 to 130 IR Rials (US$ 0.014) in 2004 and 157 IR Rials (US$ 0.017) in 2005. Yearly growth of a single fingerling was averaged more than 50% from 2001-2005. The results clearly indicated that over the years 2001-2005 the contribution cost of labor and "feed and fertilizer" declined, but it increased for "water and energy" and Miscellaneous. Overall, the costs sensitivity analysis of hatcheries production of kutum fingerling shows labor is the most sensitive, and a 50% decrease of this item, decreases the total cost by almost 20%.