Studies on supply and marketing channel of fish seeds and observing their condition factors in Chasra market in Jessore district, Bangladesh

Abstract

The present study was conducted to know the fish seed marketing channels with their condition factors in Chasra, Jessore which is the biggest fish seed trading market place in Bangladesh. Three types of horizontally and vertically interlinked marketing channels were found here. 90% of fish seeds are produced in hatcheries and rest brought from rivers. The price of fish seed depends on season, species, quality, size, weight and source of availability. Usually, if the seed size increases, price increases too. The market chains started from producers to user with some intermediaries like local fish seed retailers, agents, seed wholesalers and retailers. The fish seeds in chasra were local carps like Cirrhinus cirrhosus, Labeo calbasu, Labeo rohita, Labeo bata, and Catla catla; exotic carps like Aristichthys nobilis, Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Cyprinus carpio, Cyprinus carpio, Mylopharyngodon piceus, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and other fish like Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Mystus tengara, Puntius gonionotus, Anabas testudineus and Oreochromis mossambicus. Based on the present survey on fish seed traders in Chasra market, the prices of most common and the popular farmed fish species e.g. exotic carp fries; catfish fries; tilapia and other fish fries were varied between BDT 3500-4500; BDT 2000-3000, sometimes 8000; BDT 3000-6000 and BDT 1500-3000per kg respectively. Their prices varied a lot based on demand and availability, sizes and general health conditions. All identified fish seeds showed a healthy condition factor (K=1+) during the study. The supply of fish seeds was carried by mechanized vehicle; holding fry in oxygenated polythene bag. The general condition of the market place was not so hygienic. From here, fish seeds were distributed by seed traders to many other districts of Bangladesh.