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Extent and Causes of Quality Deterioration of Wet Fish in Fish Value Chain in Sylhet-sunamgonj Area in Bangladesh

M.M. Hossain
Department of Fisheries Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

M.N. Hassan
Department of Fisheries Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

A.AKM. Nowsad
Department of Fisheries Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Sylhet-Sunamgonj region is one of the most important freshwater fish producing areas of Bangladesh. A huge amount of fish is produced in these regions to support local consumption and also export to other countries. The caught fish are not adequately taken care off during harvest and post-harvest handling. So, a serious loss in wet fish occurs. The present study has determined the extent of quality loss in fish value chain in Sylhet-Sunamgonj regions with a view to minimize such losses. Extent of loss in wet fish quality at the stakeholder level during transportation like fish farmer, arotder (commission agent), wholesaler and retailer was assessed. Two big landing centers, one big wholesale markets and one retail market of Sylhet-Sunamgonj region were studied. Data were collected through questionnaire interview along with traveling throughout the distribution channel. A sensory method was used to assess the quality of wet fish. Insufficient icing, mishandling of fish, non-insulated carrying container and lack of awareness were found to be the reasons for the quick quality loss of wet fish in these regions.

Keywords: Quality deterioration, Arotder, Distribution channel loss assessment, Retailer

Location: Sylhet-Sunamgonj area

Start Date: 00-07-2010

End Date: 00-08-2010

Program Area: Quality and Nutrition

Commodity: Fish

Objectives:

To determined the extent of quality loss and the causes of losses in wet fist value chain in Sylhet-Sunamgonj area.

Methodology:

Study area was Sylhet region which comprises the districts of Sylhet and Sunamgonj. The Sylhet district includes the Sylhet Sadar and Biswanath Upazila and Sunamgonj district includes Dirai Upazila. Two major landing centres of the region were selected for the study. One from Sunamgonj Dirai of Sunamgonj and one from Sylhet Mahatabpur of Bishanath and Kazir bazer of Sylhet Sadar. One whole sale market (Arot) from Sylhet sadar named Kazir bazaar arot and one retail market from Sylhet Sadar named Lal bazar were selected for the study. The study was carried out in July and August in 2010. In the value chain of wet fish, the stakeholders addressed for loss assessment of fish were fish farmer/fishermen commission agent in primary market fish traders or commission agent in secondary market and retailers. Two distribution channels were studied to determine the post-harvest loss: From the landed fish at haor to the landing centre to arot to retailers in case of captured fresh fish that was directly caught from the haor. From the farmers to landing centre to arot to retailers 111 case of cultured fish (mainly carps, tilapia and pangas) For the distribution channel 1 data were collected from the spots (Lauranjani bridge, Dirai, Sunamgonj) where the fish were accumulated by the fishermen beside the haor. Usually small indigenous fishes were available in this distribution channel. Due to dry season, the fishermen had to pass usually 2-3 miles from the catching area to the selected place where they sold it to the local commission agents. The local agents took the fish to the main or secondary commission agents that usually took a journey of 2-3 h. Then, the retailers brought the fish to the retail markets. For distribution channel 2, data were collected from the fish farmers to commission agents to retailers at Lal bazer retail market at Sylhet town.Quality loss of wet fish in different stages of distribution channel was assessed using the modified method based on Fish Loss Assessment and Control Tool originally developed by Tony Research Institute, UK. The sensory assessment tool was modified based on local conditions. The steps in distribution channel considered for direct assessment were farmer/fishermen on farm and landing center, commission agent, wholesaler and retailer. Variables are different carrying containers, different icing and handling conditions, different time lapsed to market fish, different distances from origin and different transportation systems. Qualities of major cultured and captured fishes were assessed. Three research voyages were made. In each voyage, the data collectors moved along with the fish from the origin of harvest through the distribution channels up to retailers and assessed the quality deterioration of same fish or same lot of fish, In every step of distribution, at least five lots of same fish and 5 individual measurements for each lot were assessed. Sensory Defects Points (DP) of the fishes at different steps of the distribution channels were estimated using sensory attribute and then quality grade of the fish were determined.

Source of Information: Journal of Fisheries International, 7: (2) 30-34, 2012, ISSN 1817-3381

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI: 10.3923/jfish.2012.30.34, URL: http://medwelljournals.com/abstract/?doi=jfish.2012.30.34

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Insufficient icing, mishandling of fish, non-insulated carrying container and lack of awareness were found to be the reasons for the quick quality loss of wet fish in these regions.

Knowledge Management: Journal