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Traditional Methods of Fish Drying: an Explorative Study in Sylhet, Bangladesh

Sabiha Sultana Marine
Department of Fisheries Technology and Quality Control, Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

Md. Tariqul Alam
Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh.

Md. Motaher Hossain
Department of Fisheries Technology and Quality Control, Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

Rabeya Begum
Department of Coastal and Marine Fisheries,Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

Partho Protim Barman
Department of Coastal and Marine Fisheries,Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

Md. Abu Sayeed
Department of Fisheries Technology and Quality Control, Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The present study investigated traditional process of fish drying in three representative fish drying areas in Sylhet district of Bangladesh namely Tuker bazar, Mahtabpur and Amtoli during October 2012 to March 2013. A total of 20 dried fish processors, selected randomly from three sites (6 from Tuker bazar, 8 from Mahtabpur and 6 from Amtoli), were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Results showed that in all sites all together 23 species of fish were used for drying purpose. Drying activities generally started from mid-October to mid-March. A substantial amount of income was found to be generated from the fish drying activities as reported by the respondents where 26.31%, 28.94% and 44.73% dried fish entrepreneurs were found in the income ranges of Tk. 10,000-75,000, 1,00,000-5,00,000 and 6,00,000-10,00,000 respectively. The mean daily wages of male and female labours were Tk. 220 and 70 respectively seems gulf of difference apparently. This study revealed that the fish processors in the studied areas mainly used the traditional methods for drying and substantial improvement was needed at different stages of handling, processing, and transportation of the fresh fish to get the high quality dried fish products. Training of the fish processors on above aspects including hygiene, sanitation, good water quality and raw materials was found very important to ensure high quality dried products for the consumers.

Keywords: Sun drying, Fish processing, Dried fish, Consumers, Salting

Location: Sylhet district, Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-10-2012

End Date: 00-03-2013

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Commodity: Fish

Objectives:

To evaluate the fish drying activities and socio-economic condition of dried fish processors and entrepreneurs in two upazilas of Sylhet district through field investigation.

Methodology:

The present study was carried out at Tuker bazar of Sylhet sadar upazila; Mahatabpur and Amtoli of Bishwanath upazila in Sylhet district. The study was conducted for a period of five months from October 2012 to March 2013. A total of 20 dried fish processors were interviewed from the study areas that were selected randomly (6 from Tuker Bazar, 8 from Mahtabpur and 6 from Amtoli). A semi-structured questionnaire was prepared and then modified with necessary corrections for field data collection. Respondents were asked about drying season, overall drying process, amounts of fish dried per lot, the months that were most favourable for fish drying, and the fishes that are very suitable and rare for drying. Additionally information regarding activities of processors during off season and total dried fish production, cost, income and labour wages for drying activities was also collected. Questionnaire based interview was taken in collecting data. The data were cross-checked and then summarized and tabulated. Finally tabulated data were analysed by using computer software Microsoft Excel. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed and compared in a repeated measure ANOVA. If the main effect was found significant, the ANOVA then followed Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) to compare the variations among the treatments means. All statistical tests were carried out at a 5% significance level using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) (Version 11.5, SPSS Inc, and United States of America).

Source of Information: International Journal of Fishery Science and Aquaculture Vol. 2 (1), pp. 028-035, January, 2015.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

From the study it was clear that the fish drying in three drying areas of Sylhet district was traditional. Poor quality raw materials were used for drying to fetch higher price than usual. As it was relished by many people of the country, there was ample opportunity to improve the quality of the fish drying process in the study areas. For the improvement of quality of dried fish, it was not necessary to use any sophisticated equipment based technology. Maintaining proper sanitation and hygienic practice in all stages of fish drying in processing area, and introducing adequate packaging and storage methods would increase the shelf life of dried fish to larger extent. A satisfactory dried product is highly desirable at all consumer levels and for that reason drying process should be practiced following scientific ways. Extension work is needed to increase the awareness among dry fish farmers on proper handling procedures and quality standards to ensure reduction in losses and improving the quality of products. In these instances, low cost solar dryer can be constructed by using locally available materials that will ensure high quality dried products, safe for consumption and will fetch higher economic benefits for the dried fish processors and consumers.

Knowledge Management: Journal