Fish transportation and marketing in Dumraon and Buxar, South Bihar, India
Suday Prasad
Marketing of any fresh food item is the backbone of the food chain. Fish being one of the very important commodities, the bulk of them have to be transported and marketing either in live or fresh condition. Fish transportation and marketing in Shahabad special reference to Dumraon & Buxar were studied during 2018-2019. Results based on a survey of fish market with help of direct observations and interview technique. The paper deals with the infrastructure facilities of fish market; present fish market structure and the factor influence the fish marketing system. Our study indicates that the chain of fish market from producer to retailers goes onward through a number of intermediaries, fish market structure, species, quality; size and weight of fish have an influence on the price of fish. However, the prices of fish were increases and varied per kilogram according to their weight, size and species wise. The demand of fish, especially India Major Carps, Catla (Catla catla), Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala ) is high, but supply limited. Price of IMC fluctuated from 200-275 Rs/Kg. Whereas Singhi (Heteropneustes spp.) price was found 400 Rs/Kg. these fishes are the main food for selective class of people and they ready for give high price. It was observed that there was not involved any of fisherwomen in transportation and marketing of fish in this area. The study revealed the problem of fish seller during marketing times, which are briefly discussed in the present communication.