Fish Marketing System in Hakaluki Haor of Bangladesh

Abstract

The current study was carried out to investigate the fish marketing system in Hakaluki haor of Bangladesh. The study was conducted for a period of one year from July 2014 to June 2015 in two fish markets of Hakaluki haor region namely Kanongo Bazar and Fenchuganj Bazar. Data were collected through questionnaire interviews and focus group discussions. A total of 50 fish traders of these two fish markets were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. During the study period, 78 fish species were observed available in fish markets among them 31 fish species were found threatened. The marketing channel from fishermen/lessee to consumers passed through a number of intermediaries such as local paikers/aratdar/mahajan, wholesalers and retailers. Two types of marketing channel were identified in both markets. A major portion of fish were found transported to different fish markets of Sylhet, Maulvibazar, Barlekha and Beani Bazar. The price of fish varied with species, size, season, demand and supply of fish. Highest amount of fish were landed during the winter season, while highest price of the fish was found during the rainy season. It was found in both markets aratdars made higher profit per day followed by wholesalers and retailers. In addition, it was also observed that most (72%) of the retailers were between 31 to 50 years in age. Whereas, almost 66% of the fish traders were identified Muslims and 34% were Hindu. Besides, the educational qualification of most (64%) of the fish traders were found up to primary or secondary levels. In contrast, around 14% fish traders were observed illiterate. A few fish traders (36%) had nuclear family while most of the fish traders (64%) had large family. Lack of storage facilities, transportation problems, poor supply of ice, exploitation by middlemen, lack of the assets and poor infrastructure of market were identified by fish traders as key constraints of fish marketing system in Hakaluki haor region. Therefore, it is suggested that the competent authorities should pay head to the matter for ensuring sustainable livelihood of the stakeholders of the Hakaluki haor.