Fish Marketing System and Socio Economic Status of Aratdars in Natore and Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Abstract

An investigation was carried out during the period from December 2007 to November 2008 to find out the fish marketing system and socio economic status of aratdars at Singra (Natore), Baneshwar and Puthia (Rajshahi). Four types of fishes were observed where maximum fishes (70%) were come from the local area and rest (30%) was come from outside of Bangladesh. Four types of marketing channel were identified and the commission agents usually earn about 3-4% commissions from the farmers. The highest landing was 388143.75 kg/yr (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix in Shingra) whereas the lowest landing was 701.75 kg/yr (Xenentodon cancila in Baneshwar). Price varied from 20.38±4.58 (Chanda ranga in Baneshwar) to 190.17±27.33 Tk/kg (Clarias batrachus in Baneshwar). The average marketing cost and marketing margin varied from 91 to 128 Tk/day and 17.75 to 28.25 Tk/kg in Baneshwar.  Majority (53.76% in Puthia to 74.99% in Baneshwar) aratdars were found to class I-X. Major secondary occupation of the aratdars was fish farming (50% in Puthia to 75% in Baneshwar). Most of the aratdars (75% in Baneshwar and Shingra to 83% in Puthia) were found to earn Tk 100-500 per day. Infrastructure of wholesale and retail fish markets were not adequate with regarding to sales area, packaging, sanitation, water supply, drainage, cleaning, washing, maintenance and repairs except very few.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v10i1.7749