Int. J. Agr. Ext. 10 (02) 2022. 387-398 DOI: 10.33687/ijae.010.03.4063 387 Available Online at EScience Press International Journal of Agricultural Extension ISSN: 2311-6110 (Online), 2311-8547 (Print) https://esciencepress.net/journals/IJAE DETERMINANTS OF TRAINING NEEDS OF THE TILAPIA (OREOCHROMIS SP.) FISH FARMERS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY FROM A SELECTED AREA IN BANGLADESH Mohammed N. Uddin, Kabir Ahsan, Mohammad G. Farouque, Sharmin Akter, Saifur Rahman* Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh. ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article History Received: February 15, 2022 Revised: September 21, 2022 Accepted: October 14, 2022 Capacity building of fish farmers is inevitable for profitable fish farming. This research was undertaken primarily to identify the factors influencing the training requirements of tilapia fish farmers and to assess the level of training required for optimal farm management. Thus, the research was conducted in Phulpur Upazila (sub-district) under the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 100 randomly selected tilapia fish farmers using a pre-tested questionnaire. The training needs of tilapia fish farmers were measured using a four- point rating scale. The overwhelming majority (99%) of the respondents reported high training needs. Determination of mono-sex tilapia, a non-probiotic and probiotic fish production, and production techniques of mono-sex tilapia were identified as significant areas of training needs. Linear multiple regressions confirmed that level of education, experience in fish farming, training received, extension media contact and social mobility were the statistically significant determinants (P<0.05) of the training needs for the tilapia fish farmers. The high cost of fish feed, unavailability of extension service, and high fertilizer costs were identified as the major problems faced by the respondents. Respective authorities, especially the Department of Fisheries (DoF), should emphasize initiating capacity- building programs for the farmers, considering the identified training needs and problems. In addition, providing training, ensuring the availability of credits at low- interest rate, supply inputs for tilapia culture for improving tilapia fish farming could facilitate the farmers. Keywords Training Need Production Mymensingh Fisheries Problem Corresponding Author: Saifur Rahman Email: saifurgext41486@bau.edu.bd © The Author(s) 2022. INTRODUCTION Globally, fish production has increased dramatically in the last 50 years (FAO, 2014). While the livelihoods of millions are dependent on fish farming; thus, it is recognized as a vital sector of the world economy (Ike and Roseline, 2007). In Asia, the fish trade accounts for roughly 60 percent of worldwide fish output. The region's coastal fisheries play a crucial role in providing food security and enhancing livelihoods, especially for economically disadvantaged population segments (Stobutzki et al., 2006). Moreover, a vast number of populations (about 880 million) get their income on aquaculture (Allison et al., 2013), whereas over 18 million (11% of the total population) Bangladeshis are involved in the fisheries industry (Shamsuzzaman et al., 2017). Bangladesh is endowed with the richest and most diversified inland aquatic environment in the world, with a vast range of aquatic living resources dispersed across the nation in the form of tiny ponds, beels, lakes,