Present status of traditional dry fish processing and marketing, and assessment of socio-economic status of dry fish processors in Nazirartek, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the existing production procedure of traditionally dried marine fish, their marketing system, and estimate the profit margin of different actors involved in the marketing chain along with the socio-economic status of the dried fish producers in Nazirartek, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Data were collected through questionnaire interviews. It was found that 23 marine fish species were used to produce dried fish which continues from in mid-October to the end of midFebruary. The wholesale or retail markets prices of those products varied on the basis of species, size and quality of the end product. The retail price per kg dried Chinese pomfret (Pampus chinensis), Ribbon fish (Trichiurus haumela), Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus) and, Indian threadfin (Leptomelanosoma indicum), ranged from BDT 300-500, 350-1400, 400- 850 and, 1500-3200, respectively. Maximum (29.41%) gross margin was calculated for dried Loytta and, minimum (10%) for dried Indian white shrimp (Chaga chingri). Several marketing problems were identified including lack of capital, higher transportation cost, storage problem, lower market demand and higher loan interest rate. Policy level intervention including financing producers was recommended to tackle the non-institutional money lenders.