Value chain and efficiency analysis of Pangasius and Tilapia marketing in selected areas of Bangladesh

This study examines the value chain and market efficiency of Pangasius and Tilapia in Bangladesh using price data from various markets. In the same vein, a diverse array of methodologies, including the composite index method, marketing efficiency index, and those proposed by Shephard, Acharya, and Agarwal, were implemented to evaluate various marketing efficiencies. From January 2018 to December 2019, 950 samples were collected from the districts of Gazipur, Mymensingh, Cumilla, Bogura, Khulna, Jashore, Chattogram, Barishal, Bhola, and Dinajpur using structured questionnaires. The study employed stratified random sampling techniques. The findings indicated that a limited number of actors were more influential in the context of the Pangasius and Tilapia business, and they generated a greater profit. The marketing costs of Arathder, a wholesaler and retailer for Pangasius, were USD 34.44, USD 75.27, and USD 21.96 per metric ton, respectively. The wholesaler of Pangasius incurred the highest marketing cost because the marketing cost of the wholesaler included the Arathder commission (47%) and transportation cost (14%). The retailer in Pangasius marketing received the highest value addition, which was USD 136.02, 120.67, and 115.04 per ton, respectively, based on the size of the fish (above 2 kg, 1–2 kg, and less than 1 kg). Arathder and wholesaler followed in that order. However, Arathder obtained the highest value addition for Tilapia, which was USD 156.85, USD 106.69, and USD 80.41 per ton, depending on the fish size. The higher market price of Tilapia resulted in its value additions being higher in all cases than those of Pangasius. The most efficient Channel in the Pangasius and Tilapia Value Chain was Farmer > Arathder > Retailer > Consumer of Hotel, while the least efficient Channel was Farmer > Local Wholesaler > Retailer > Final Consumer. Therefore, to enhance the efficiency and value-added contributions of various actors, the government and other relevant agencies should improve market governance.