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Production, Marketing and Transportation of Mud Crab (scylla Olivacea): a Study on Khulna Region of Bangladesh

Dipak Kamal
Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh

Md. Forhad Uddin
Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh

Mst. Muslima Khatun
Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Present state of the marketing and transportation of mud crab in Khulna region of Bangladesh was investigated through field survey from January to December 2001. Out of 9 Upazila in Khulna District, mud crab business was found in 5 namely, Paikgacha, Koyra, Dumuria, Batiaghata and Dacope. The crab depots were located mostly near the highways and on the bank of rivers. The crabs landed at depots were harvested from various sources including the Sundarbans mangrove swamps, tidal rivers and canals, and black tiger shrimp ponds (ghers). Supply of mud crabs was round the year with a peak during rainy season. The total production was estimated to be 1872.28 tons in Khulna district in 2001 of which 1228.73 tons were males and 643.55 tons were females. The highest production of mud crab was found in Paikgacha (75.59% of the total production). The maximum average price was found for XL grade followed by F1 grade. The harvested crabs were transported to depots by small wooden boats. Trucks and buses were used to transport crabs at night when the ambient temperature was low in order to reduce mortality. The mortality rate during transportation was higher in summer. The domestic market of crab was poorly developed in this region because of high price, and social and religious prohibition among the Muslim. Most of the harvested crabs were marketed in the foreign country. Major importers of mud crab are China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan.

Keywords: Mud crab, Marketing, Transportation, Grading, Mortality, Bangladesh

Location: 9 upazillas of Khulna district namely, Paikgacha, Dumuria, Batiaghata, Dacope, Rupsha, Koyra, Terokhada, Digholia and Fultala

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Commodity: Crab

Objectives:

Presently, the species is severely overexploited, which is an issue affecting the sustainability of livelihood of coastal people. For example, the export earnings declined from US$ 55,35,000 in 1996-97 to US$ 2,83,000 in 1999-2000 (EPB, 2001). However, there is no information on the production, marketing and transportation of this potential aqua resource in Bangladesh. Therefore, the present study was undertaken with an aim to assess the production, marketing and transportation of mud crab from the Khulna region of Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Study area: A reconnaissance survey was conducted in all the 9 upazillas of Khulna district namely, Paikgacha, Dumuria, Batiaghata, Dacope, Rupsha, Koyra, Terokhada, Digholia and Fultala to identify the mud crab business centers or depots. Out of 9 upazillas, mud crab depots were found in five, namely, Paikgacha, Koyra, Dumuria, Batiaghata and Dacope. A one year survey work was carried out at monthly interval from January to December 2001 in these 5 upazillas of Khulna district.

Field visits and observation: At first, a total of 10 Focus Group Discussion (FGD) sessions with 10-15 people of mud crab fishers, traders and exporters were held to get an overview of mud crab production, marketing and transportation in Khulna district. Later, the primary data on various aspects of production, trading and transportation were collected through a structured questionnaire interview from 3 randomly selected mud crab depots in each upazilla through interviewing the mud crab fishers, traders and exporters directly. Finally, the collected data were cross-checked with key informants e.g. school teachers, local leaders, upazilla and district fisheries officers, fisheries extension officers and NGO personnel.

Data analysis: Collected data were analyzed with computer softwares such as MS-Excel, SPSS and Kaleida graph. The upazilla wise production was calculated from selected three depots and the total production in a depot in a as follows:

P= Mean production volume in 3 surveyed depots in a sub-district x Total number of depots in the sub-district.

Source of Information: Khulna University Studies Volume 11 (1&2) and 12 (1&2): December 2013

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Mud crab business is a highly potential aqua-business although running uncontrolled. Paikgacha is the main trading center for mud crab business in Khulna district. The overall organization of mud crab business is at a rudimentary stage in the region. There is no institutional setup to look after this potential sector. In addition, there is no management regime for the mud crab fishery by the Department of Fisheries. There is no self-organized transportation system from the depots to Dhaka. Although association of mud crab traders exists, price of crabs is absolutely controlled by the exporters. Hence, in order to achieve success in mud crab marketing and transportation, research and management issues should be taken in consideration.

Knowledge Management: Journal