From production to consumption: a case study of tilapia marketing systems in Bangladesh

In spite of the long history of tilapia, introduced to Bangladesh in 1954, its culture has yet to become well established because of socioeconomic, technological, institutional, and marketing constraints. Nevertheless, a considerable number of farmers are involved in tilapia farming in the Mymensingh area of north-central Bangladesh. Almost all the tilapias produced are marketed internally for domestic consumption. The marketing chain from farmers to consumers encompasses primary, wholesale, and retail markets. Although the tilapia marketing system is traditional, it plays a vital role in connecting producers with consumers and thus contributes significantly in the value-adding process. Evidence from this study suggests that tilapia marketing could play a greater role in increasing food supply. However, sustainable development of tilapia marketing is essential, if tilapia is to become a more important component of food supplies in the country.