FISH MARKETING IN SOME LOCAL MARKETS OF CHUADANGA DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Fish trading is a vital economic activity in Bangladesh, but marketing and trading practice is quite inadequately studied. Therefore, a study was carried out from July to December 2002 to examine the marketing and trading of fish in the local markets of Chuadunga district. Questionnaire survey, personal interviews, and field survey were carried out in two prominent fish markets named Rail Bazar and Sarojganj Bazar. The study revealed that there were six kinds of marketing channel operating in the study areas. The market participants included fishermen, aratder, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. The fisherman’s share decreased with the number of intermediaries in a channel. Most market participants financed their business from own funds. A fisherman spent in an average Tk. 222 for marketing 100 kg of fish which covered mainly transportation, personal expenses, aratder’s commission, market tolls, and wastages. Whereas, an intermediary spent Tk.146-169 for marketing of 100 kg fish. Where, a fisherman spent a major share for paying transportation cost and aratder’s commission, an intermediary spent quite a big share for covering losses due to wastages. The marketing margin for intermediaries, the marketing margin ranged form 6-9%. The volume of fish trading depended on the supply of fish and the number of the buyers. The study also identified that inadequate and poor physical condition of the market place, transportation, and capital shortage was only a few of many problems in the study area. Considering the importance of these markets to the economy of the region, the study suggested upgradation of the existing physical facilities of the markets, and facilitation of institutionalized credit facilities for the stakeholders.