Impact of Covid-19 and current economic crisis on ornamental fish farms in Colombo district, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The ornamental fish industry in Sri Lanka is a thriving industry that attracts foreign income to the country. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global lifestyles, trade, and the economy. Many countries experienced an economic crisis with the end of pandemic. The objective of the present study is to study how COVID-19 and the economic crisis impacted on Sri Lanka’s ornamental fish industry and identify the measures that farms have taken to overcome challenges for success. Five Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Colombo District ie: Padukka, Homagama, Seethawaka, Kaduwela and Kesbewa, that conduct most ornamental fish culture activities were selected. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data from 32 randomly selected farmers. Information on present status of fish farms, variation of different categories related to ornamental fish farms: cultured species, quantity and selling prices of fish, labour force, fish feed types, quantity and cost, market demand, packaging and transportation, technologies used, and common problems were collected for the three time periods: Before COVID-19, During COVID-19 and Present period. Data analyzed by calculating percentage as a proportion of total farms using Microsoft Excel. Results show both positive and negative impacts of COVID-19 and the economic crisis on ornamental fish farms. Unexpected growth of local market demand for ornamental fish and reduction of export market orders were the main positive and negative impacts of COVID-19 on ornamental fish farms, respectively. The main benefit of the economic crisis for ornamental fish farms was practicing to operate a farm with limited resources. However, the closure of ornamental fish farms or farms being converted into other businesses were the main drawbacks of the economic crisis on fish farms. Overall, the ornamental fish farming industry in Colombo has faced various challenges at the first quarter of both the COVID -19 pandemic and Sri Lankan economic crisis. However, most farms have adapted and found new opportunities for success.