Marketing and value chain system of marine frozen fish in Bangladesh

Abstract

The demand of marine frozen fish is increasing day by day both in domestic and export market. To attain the main objective of the present study, value chain of marine frozen fish was addressed to determine the values added to marketed fish in different steps of marketing channels. Data were collected for two successive years 2013-14 from 240respondents using interview schedules and checklist, and 10 major species of marine fish were considered for the present study. Several FGDs were conducted to have detailed information from the stakeholders involved in supply or value chain system of marine frozen fish marketed. The study areas were purposively selected and three types of market such as primary market, secondary market and consumer market were studied. The contribution, activities and performance of actors involved in transaction of respective species of marine frozen fish both in domestic and export market were identified. Out of six supply chains, the chain ‘Fisherman/Boat owner → Landing station arat/ Local arat → Bepari → Inter-district aratder agent → Retailer → Consumer’ was the most important supply chain through which 40% frozen fish reach to consumers. Average marketing cost was lower in primary market compared to secondary and consumer market. High priced fish demanded a high marketing cost resulting higher marketing margin and profit compared to low priced fish. High valued species of fish were exported but also claimed higher cost for its processing and marketing. Actually, marketing margin of respective species of marine frozen fish at each level of market is the added value of that particular species of fish.