Post-harvest fish loss in the fish value chain and the determinants: empirical evidence from Bangladesh

The fisheries and aquaculture sector plays an important role for food and nutrition security for the majority of people in Bangladesh. Recently, however, fish farmers and market actors face potential income loss due to post-harvest fish loss. This study assesses the factors influencing post-harvest loss of four important fish species (i.e., rui, catla, tilapia and pangas) in Bangladesh. Data were collected from 200 fish farmers and 212 market actors in Mymensingh and Jashore districts. The results reveal relatively high post-harvest fish loss for fish farmers (8.10 kg per hundred) as well as for Bepari, Paikar and retailers (2.18, 2.68 and 2.61 kg per 100 kg per hundred, respectively). Poor packaging and handling practices and inefficiencies at collection points are the major factors causing fish losses. Econometric results indicate that education, training, better transportation and infrastructure facilities are the significant factors to reduce post-harvest fish loss. Raising farmers’ awareness, improving infrastructure and road transportation facilities as well as effective market information flow could potentially contribute to reduce post-harvest fish losses.