Fish value chain and the determinants of value addition decision: Empirical evidence from Bangladesh

The present study was conducted to explore the fish value chain and the determinants that influenced the fish farmer's decision, preferably in the value addition chain of Rui, Catla, Tilapia, and Pangas fish. Hence, primary data were collected from 200 fish farmers and 212 market actors from three districts of Bangladesh. The per quintal value addition by the retailers in Mymensingh and Jessore areas was the highest for Rui and the lowest for Pangas. In Dhaka, the retailer's highest per quintal value was reported for Catla. The Poisson regression analysis revealed that farmers' education, fish farming experience, and access to extension services could positively, while the farmer's age could negatively influence their value addition decisions. Developing effective extension services is vital to make an integrated and sophisticated fish market system in Bangladesh.

Automated summary

The present study aimed to investigate the value chain and determinants influencing fish farmers' decision making in the value addition chain of Rui, Catla, Tilapia, and Pangas fish. Primary data were collected from 200 fish farmers and 212 market actors in three districts of Bangladesh. The analysis revealed the highest value addition by retailers for Rui in Mymensingh and Jessore areas and for Catla in Dhaka, while the lowest value addition was observed for Pangas. The study highlights the importance of developing effective extension services to enhance the fish market system in Bangladesh.