Fish Marketing System in Southern Bangladesh: Recommendations for Efficient Marketing

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the marketing channel, marketing cost and marketing margin and problems associated with fish marketing in order to provide recommendations for efficient fish marketing system in Barisal city, southern Bangladesh. Data were collected from seven fish markets of Barisal, southern Bangladesh including Port road fish market, Taltoli bazar fish market, Chaumatha fish market, Notullabad bus stand fish market, Kasipur bazar fish market and Bazar road fish market. Both primary and secondary data were used during 1 year study period from May, 2011 to April, 2012. Primary data were collected through field surveys and pre-structured questionnaire was used for interviewing of 10 organizers, 20 aratdars (commission agent), 50 fish traders and 100 consumers. Secondary source of information consists of published materials such as journals, textbooks, newspapers and also from interviewing different government and non-government officials and members of various fisheries related cooperative societies. The results of this study revealed 11 fish marketing channels in Barisal city’s fish marketing system. The average marketing cost ranged from 4.15% to 8.33% (6.76±0.98) % of the final retail price. The highest and lowest average fish price were recorded as USD 7.07/kg and USD 1.03/kg for giant fresh water prawn and silver carp, correspondingly. Intermediaries’ marketing margin on different species’ marketing fluctuated from 29.6% to 50.28% (39.38±5.22) % for silver carp and brown shrimp marketing, respectively. Establishment of modern fish landing center and retail markets near the fish landing port, introduction of government fish shops and insulated and refrigerated fish vans and fish carriers, training of all personnel related to fish marketing about fish handling, quality of fish, hygiene practices, improvement of existing fish market structure, provision for government and private funding assistance for fishers/fish farmer, formulation and enactment of independent act/ordinance for fish landing and marketing are highly recommended. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v12i1.12254Our Nature (2014), 12(1): 28-36