Abundance, marketing channel and export potentiality of freshwater Eel (Monopterus cuchia) in Bangladesh

Abstract

The survey based study pursues production and marketing of Eel in order to explore the Eel trading and value chain involved. A part of the population especially land less people, widow and children are involved in Eel collection for their livelihoods earning. The market chain from collector to consumers passes through a number of intermediaries like local Bepary, Agents, Arotdars, Exporters and Buyers. Aluminum containers, plastic drums and bamboo baskets with polythene covers are commonly used for keeping fresh water Eel alive during the transport. Generally two grading system is involved for marketing of Eel in Bangladesh. Daily harvesting rate depends on season ranging from 2.0-3.5 kg/collector and local price ranges from 120 to 500Tk/kg. Annual harvest by Eel collectors from different division of Bangladesh were found as: Rajshahi: 3,60,645-4,21,580 kg; Khulna: 3,26,759-3,33,388 kg; Mymensingh: 73,050-77,700 kg; Sylhet: 93,790-96,000 kg; Barishal: 1,94,000-2,18,000 kg; Rangpur: 39,150-48,130 kg; and Chattogram: 4,93,585-6,54,410 kg respectively. Highest harvest were obtained from Chattogram division (4, 93,585-6,54,410 kg) and lowest harvest was from Rangpur division (39,150-48,130 kg). Eel of Bangladesh are exported to many countries of Europe, Asia and Middle East.