FISH MARKETING CHANNEL AND LIVELIHOOD STATUS OF AROTDARS OF MOULVIBAZAR DISTRICT

Abstract

A study was conducted on fish marketing system to find out different marketing channels, marketing cost, margins of fish at different intermediaries and livelihood status of Arotdars in Moulvibazar district. The investigation was carried out from August, 2012 to July, 2013 in six markets by using questionnaire method. A large number of intermediaries were involved in fish marketing channel as Arotdar (commission agent), Paiker and Retailer. Seven marketing channels were identified. Paiker or Bepari bought fish from Producer and finally sold fish to Retailer through arotdar with commission. In some cases Producer brought their fishes to Arat. In the fish market exotic fishes were 56% at Kulaura to 59% at Moulvibazar sadar, large indigenous fish were 34% at Kulaura and Shreemongal to 35% at Moulvibazar sadar, small indigenous fishes were 4% at Moulvibazar sadar to 8% at Kulaura and prawns were 2% in each Upazilla. Total marketing cost of Producer, Arotdar, Paiker and Retailer were Tk. 8.47±0.225, 1.39±0.284, 10.99±0.467 and 3.21±0.186 Kg of fish respectively. During peak period, average net profit of Arotdar, Paiker and Retailer were Tk. 3.48±0.072, 3.32±0.059 and 6.142±0.075 kg -1 fish respectively. Total marketing cost for different intermediaries was Tk. 24.05 Kg -1 fish in Moulvibazar district. During lean period, average net profit of Arotdar, Paiker and Retailer were Tk. 4.06±0.079, 3.65±0.073, 7.14±0.08 kg -1

fish respectively. Net margin of intermediaries during peak and lean period were Tk. 4.31 and 4.95 kg -1 -1 fish respectively. Family size of most Arotdar (37.5%) at Moulvibazar sadar were belonged to 7-9 group, but at Shreemongal majority (42.9%) were 4-6 group and at Kulaura majority (42.9%) were in 7-9 group. Most of the Arotdars (50% at Moulvibazar sadar to 57% at Kulaura) education levels were class I-X. Most of the Arotdars (62.5%) at Moulvibazar sadar concerned health service from sadar Upazilla/district hospital, but at Shreemongal (42.9%) and Kulaura (57.1%), Arotdar concerned health service from Upazilla hospital. In Moulvibazar District (42% in Shreemongal to 50% in Moulvibazar sadar) Arotdars had alternative profession. They earned more than Tk. 1200 per day, most of Arotdars (37.5% at Moulvibazar sadar and 57.1% at Shreemongal) consumed 1.5-2 Kg fish per day, but at Kulaura 42.9% consumed 1-1.5 Kg fish per day. At Moulvibazar sadar 50% Arotdar consumed 0-0.5 kg meat per day but Arotdar (42.9% at Shreemongal and 57.1% at Kulaura) consumed 0.5-1 kg meat per day. About 50% Arotdar at Moulvibazar sadar were middle class and 50% were rich family, at Shreemongal 57.1% were rich but at Kulaura 57.1% Arotdar were middle class. About 50% Arotdar at Moulvibazar sadar, 85.8% at Shreemongal and 42.9% at Kulaura had membership in different organizations. Majority (37.5% at Moulvibazar sadar to 42.9% at Kulaura) earned Tk. 100-200 per day as an alternative source of income in Moulvibazar District. Intermediaries and Consumers faced a number of problems such as high interest rate of credit, poor road communication, price fluctuation, low price, political instability, lack of drainage facility, inadequate storage facility etc. Development of storage facilities, improvement of fish transport facilities, introduction of fish quality control measures were suggested to improve the fish marketing in the study area. A Producer or growers Co-operative organization can be established to reduce the gap between Producer and Consumer. It will be benefited for Producer/fish farmers and Consumers to ensure the fair price with direct fish marketing.