Species availability and marketing system of traditionally dried fish in Rangpur division of Bangladesh

Abstract

A survey was conducted on traditionally dried fish marketing of Rangpur division. The present study found that there are 22 species of dry fishes available in Rangpur division of which 15 are freshwater species and 7 are marine water species. Prices of the dried fishes in wholesale or retail markets were found to vary on the basis of species, size and quality of the final product. In Rangpur retail markets the maximum net profit was calculated as 12.14 Tk/kg for (Trichiurus lepturus) Churi dried fish. On the other hand, the minimum net profit was found in small indigenous species such as Chela (Salmostoma acinaces) fishes. Whereas, in Dinajpur and Thakurgaon retail market the maximum net profit was found higher in case of Mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) as 18.77 Tk/kg and 32.60 Tk/kg respectively. Two wholesale markets are reported in Rangpur division; the Ghaghatpara arat and Saidpur arat. The retailers of this region usually collect dry fish from those arats and consumers get the dry fishes from the retailers. Locally produced dry fishes are sold to the wholesalers of Rangpur and Saidpur arat and finally go to the consumers through retailers. Several marketing problems were found which include lack of capital, higher transportation cost, storage problem, lower market demand and higher loan interest rate etc.