Status of Stakeholders at Different Levels of Marketing Channel in Shrimp in Khulna Region

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess the socio-economic status of the stakeholders in the shrimp marketing channel in the Khulna region. The investigation initially identified the marketing channels and the stakeholders. The study covered the areas of Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira districts and included 13 upazilas, 152 ghers, 86 farias, 210 depots, 22 agents and 8 processing plants. Transportation from harvest to processing plant was unsatisfactory in relation to materials, carriers and routes, and the average handling period was 8 hours. Most stakeholders were Muslims and were either illiterate or had primary-level education. Shrimps were washed with water taken from ghers, rivers/canals by farias or in depots, while shallow and deep tubewells were mostly used by agents and processing plants. The ratio of ice to shrimp used varied widely. In most cases, icing was done at the depot rather than from the point of harvest (ghers). Salaries of workers at ghers and depots were low but were relatively higher at agents and processing plants. Grading of shrimp in depots was mostly done on wooden or tin platforms. The organoleptic scores of shrimp were moderate to highly acceptable at all points of marketing. The agents exercised an exceedingly powerful role. The government and NGOs should intervene to minimize the powerful role of the agents through an acceptable strategy. This will lead to improving the livelihood and better communication among the other stakeholders. Each stakeholder should come under one apex body and must comply with all the requirements set by the Shrimp Seal of Quality, including environmental friendliness, traceability, food safety, HACCP implementation and human rights, as desired by buyers in the international market.