A case study on feeding fish in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

by Md. Mokhlesur Rahman1,

Md. Shahidul Islam2 and
Muhammad Tanvir Hossain Chowdhury3
-

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Dhaka City contains over 10 millions peoples. The city is being expanding and the population is also
increasing both horizontally and vertically. Demand of fish in the last 10 years has increased as a result
of population and income increases of 45% and 35% respectively. Income elasticity projections show that
for every 1% increase in income, fish consumption will increase by 0.75%. In spite of this, annual per
capita consumption of fish is reported to drop by 0.5 kg since 1985. The reason for the decline is rising
prices and insufficient supply of fish. Prices have over the past 15 years increased at a real rate (excluding
inflation) of 2.8% per cent per annum and are driving down consumption by the rate of approximately
1.17% for every 1% increase in price.
1.2 Minimum demand of fish per day in the Dhaka City is about 250-300 tons. Over 200 freshwater
species dominate the fish markets while marine fishes have limited demand. Fish supplies to the city
mainly come from catch in the rivers-estuaries and floodland of Dhaka district, neighboring districts,
imports and peri-urban aquaculture. A sizable quantity of major carps is imported from India and
Myanmar while pungasius suchi from Thailand. Seasonal availability of fish species affects the fish
supply and consumption pattern. Mid-July to Mid-October anadromous (Hilsa) species dominates the fish
markets. Comparatively better fish price in Dhaka City attracts the fish suppliers all over the country.

2.0 Aquaculture activities in Dhaka City and adjacent areas

2.1 Status of aquaculture
2.1.1 Aquaculture activities in urban areas in Bangladesh have not been developed to commercial level
because of higher population densities and scarcity of enough land areas. This is particularly true for
Dhaka City, rather, the citys aquaculture activities are limited largely in marketing and distribution of
fish. Among the water bodies inside the city, some government owned large ponds and lakes are
important culturable water areas. Yet, these water bodies are partially being used for fish culture.
However, commercial aquaculture has been developed to a considerable extent in peri-urban areas around
the city.
2.1.2 Encompassing the city, large areas of low-lying lands take the form of vast floodplains during the
monsoon. Hundreds of hectares of these floodplains are fed by three big rivers namely, Buriganga,
Shitalakhsa and Turag. These large areas of open water bodies are not utilized for aquaculture activities.
However, in recent days, some forms of aquaculture activities have been developed in the floodplains

M&E Consultant, Fourth Fisheries Project, , Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh

Research Associate, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University
3
Extension Officer, Fourth Fisheries Project, Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh
2

around the city, particularly near Madartek and Manda at the east and Kamrangir Char at the west. Pen
and cage cultures are the two main forms of aquaculture.
2.3 Aquaculture activities: Species cultured with culture system
2.3.1 The culture systems mainly involve polyculture of carps. Like other areas of Bangladesh, this form
of aquaculture has been developed on a commercial scale around the city. Among the carp species, Indian
major carps (Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirhinus mrigala, Labeo calbasu) and Chinese carp
(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio) along with some minor carps
like Thai sarpunti (Puntius gonionotus) are the main species. In recent days, tilapia (Oreochromis
niloticus) has been gaining popularity as cash crop to most of the farmers.
Table 1. List of fish species used for aquaculture in
Dhaka City and adjacent areas
Scientific name

Local name

English name

Labeo rohita
Catla catla
Cirhinus mrigala
Labeo calbasu
Hypopthalmychthis molitrix
Ctenopharyngodon idella
Cyprinus carpio
Puntius gonionotus
Pangusius suchi
Oreochromis niloticus

Rui
Catla
Mrigal
Calibous
Silver carp
Grass carp
Common carp
Thai sarputi
Thai pangus
Tilapia

India major carp

Chinese carp

Thai silver barb

Thai pangus
Nile tilapia

2.3.2 Polyculture of carps is practiced with varying species combinations and densities in different areas.
Intensification and use of inputs in fish farms depend on a number of factors including the availability of
seeds, feeds, fertilizer etc. Culture period usually starts in May-June and continues until NovemberDecember. Recently farmers are increasingly interested in monoculture of catfishes such as Thai pangus
(Pangusius suchi) and some others, which are of high demand in fish market. Based on the improved
management methods, higher growth rates with supplementary feeds, wide popularity and higher market
price, monoculture of pangus around Dhaka City has been a blooming fish farming industry.
2.3.3 Stocking density in fish farms varies with species cultured and the degree of intensification.
However, it is a common trend in almost all the farmers to maintain higher stocking densities. In carp
polyculture, on an average, the stocking density ranges between 15,000-17,000-ha fingerlings. The
stocking density appears as a critical factor when tilapia is used in polyculture with carps because they
rapidly grow in number due to their prolific breeding behavior. When tilapia is used, farmers usually use
the technique of continuous harvesting method to maintain a manageable stocking density but, very often,
it appears difficult to achieve.
2.3.4 Monoculture of catfish has been very popular aquaculture activity in and around Dhaka City.
Because of higher rate of profit, catfish culture has been developed to an industrial scale. At the early 90s,

monoculture of catfish was mainly based on African magur (Clarias gariepinus)4. Tremendous growth of
this fish with poultry offal, slaughterhouse and household wastes attracted the producers to such extent
that large numbers of farms were developed. However, people did not accept the fish from aesthetic
viewpoint and, at the same time, the fish was not found suitable for sustainable aquaculture because of a
number of biological implications. With the introduction of Thai pangus at the late 90s and successful
hatchery production of seeds, it appeared as the perfect species for monoculture of catfish and it replaced
African magur to a great extent. Very attractive aesthetic appearance, lucrative taste, higher growth rate,
high market demand, all helped the fish gaining a wide popularity among consumers as well as producers.
Within a very short time, Thai pangus farming became a valuable aquaculture industry. Development of
artificial feed industries can be considered as a very important event in the process of this revolution. At
present, pangus farms in stocking density varies between 15,000-20,000-ha fingerlings and production
range 12-15 ton/ha/yr.
2.4 Origin of seeds
2.4.1 Seeds for aquaculture are collected from two major sources (a) natural source and (b) hatchery
production. However, the natural source is limited to carp fishes, mainly Indian major carps and minor
carps. Bangladesh was once very rich in natural seed production. For many reasons, the natural seed
production has been declined to such extent that aquaculture has been dependent almost completely of
hatcheries for seeds. Moreover, catfish farms are completely hatchery dependent for seeds from the
beginning. Now, artificial fish seeds are surplus to the requirements for its aquaculture. Although fish
seeds are collected from distant areas in Dhaka City, in recent days, considerable number of hatcheries
have been developed around the city itself.
Table 1.1 Case study on carp polyculture in periurban areas
Location
Species cultured
Water source
Number of ponds and area
Culture system
Liming
Fertilization
Feed used and feeding
system
FCR
Pond preparation
Stocking density
Post-stocking management
Culture period
Production

Demra, Dhaka
Indian major carps and Chinese carps
Rain fed
1 and 0.1hactare.
Improved extensive.
500-750 kg/ha for pH range 6.5 to 7.5
Cowdung 2000 kg/ha/yr, Urea 300 kg/ha/yr and T.S.P. 200
kg/ha/yr. After initial dose fertilizer apply weekly.
Locally available ingredients such as rice bran and mustard oil
cake are used at 1:1 ratio. Feeding rate varies from 3-5% of the
body weight. Feeds are supplied as balls in feeding tray.
2-2.5 : 1
Drying, liming.
10,000 fingerlings/ha.
Post-stocking management includes frequent netting for health
observation, liming for probable disease control, fertilization etc.
8-9 months
4-4.5 tons/ha/yr.

Since 1998, government has band the species for its carnivorous feed behavior.

Table 1.2 Economic of carp polyculture in periurban areas in Demra, Dhaka

Items

Cost in US $
(0.1 ha)
Pond preparation cost
16
Seed cost
31
Pond management cost including feed, fertilizer and labor
91
Harvest and marketing cost
11
Total cost
149
Total income
313
Net income
163
Recovery
110%
Note: Farmers own labor cost was ignored, FCR was 2.5:1, US$1=Tk.55

US$ per ha
202
382
1,143
139
1,865
3,909
2,044

Table 1.3: Social Profile of the Fish Farmers, Demra, Dhaka

Number of Fishers Involved
7
Family Size
5-7 per family
family members also assist in some extent
Education level
Primary to High
fisheries income using for children education
School
Major occupation
Business
Secondary occupation
Fish farming
manual labor also contribute
Income from fish per year
$300-$500
approximately, as they did not keep clear
records
Number of worker used
7
Occasionally, farmers substitutes their labor by
providing wage-labor
Household consumption
Mainly weed fish Sometimes takes big fish during cultural and
from the pond
religious festival
Aquaculture training
Once only
They did not receive formal training
Social linkage
Good
Established social network among traders and
consumers which assisting to interchange views
Table 2.1 Case Study on sewage based polyculture of carps with tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Location
Species cultured
Source of seeds
Stocking density
Number of ponds and area
Water source

Adamji Jute Mills, Narayangonj District, Dhaka Division

Tilapia, Rui, Catla, Mrigal, Silver carp, Grass carp, Carpio, and Thai
Sarpunti
Hatchery
The exact stocking density of tilapia is not known because they are
continuously growing in number by frequent breeding. Carps are stocked
at the rate of 15,000-17,500 fingerlings/ha/yr.
A total of 8 ponds with average area of 0.8 ha.
The water disposal systems of the jute mills (boiler cooling water) are
open to the ponds and serve as the main source of pond water. Municipal
sewage water from residents of the mills and rainwater are the secondary
source.

Feed used and feeding

system
Culture system
Liming
Fertilization
Harvesting
Production
Culture period

Huge quantity of raw and untreated human excreta is supplied every day.
Farmers have set substantial number of open public toilet on the pond and
more than one thousand people use them daily. Occasionally, rice bran and
mustard oilcake are also supplied as supplementary feeds.
Improved extensive
1,000-1,200 kg/ha/yr.
Urea and cowdung are supplied depending on water transparency.
Partial harvesting is done at fortnightly intervals for tilapia and three
months intervals for carps. Fish are harvested by seine net.
Tilapia: 5-6 tons/ha/yr. and carps 2-2.5 tons/ha/yr.
Round the year

Table 2.2: Economic sewage-based polyculture in Adamji Jute Mills, Narayangonj District
Items
Cost in US $
US$ per ha
(0.8 ha)
Pond preparation cost
400
500
Seed cost
276
345
Pond management cost including feed, fertilizer and labor
840
1,050
Harvest and marketing cost
240
300
Total cost
1756
2,195
Total income
5032.8
6,291
Net income
3276.8
4096
Recovery
287%
Note: Farmers own labor cost was ignored, US$1=Tk.55
Table 3.3: Social Profile of the Fish Farmers in Adamji Jute Mills, Narayangonj District
Number of Fishers Involved
5
Formed a cooperative farming system
Family Size
5-7 per family
Education level
Primary to High
fisheries income using for children education
School
Major occupation
Business
mainly female members involved feeding
Secondary occupation
Fish farming
manual labor also contribute
Income from fish per year
$250-$350
approximately, as they did not keep clear
records of the income sources
Number of worker used
1
Wage labor
Household consumption
Mainly small fish
Aquaculture training
Once only
They did not receive formal training
Social linkage
Good
They establish social network though
establishing the cooperative fish farms

Table 3.1. Case Study on monoculture of Thai pangus (Pangusius suchi)

Location of the farm
Narayangonj District, Dhaka Division
Species cultured
Thai pangus (Pangusius suchi)
Source of seeds
Hatchery
Number of ponds and area 3 ponds of 0.5 ha.
Stocking density
15,000-20,000 fingerlings/ha/yr.
Water depth
Water depth of 1 meter is always maintained.
Water source
Rain and pump water. Water is exchanged when needed.
Feed used and feeding
Formulated pangus grower feed collected from the SABINCO Feed
system
Industry is the main feed. Ground and cooked rice with mustard oilcake is
used to reduce the total feed cost. Feed is supplied daily in feeding tray.
Culture system
Semi-intensive
Liming
250-500 kg/ha/yr.
Fertilization
Urea, TSP and cowdung are supplied at the rate of 250-300, 150-200, and
1,500-2,000 kg/ha/yr. Respectively.
Harvesting
Partial harvesting is done depending on the growth of fish and market
demand. The size range of fish during harvesting is 700-1000g.
Production
12-15 tons/ha/yr.
Culture period
9 months
Table 3.2: Economics of Thai Pangus monoculture in Narayangonj District
Cost in US $ (0.5 ha)
US$ per ha
Items
Pond preparation cost
188
375
Seed cost
910
1820
Pond management cost including feed, fertilizer and labor
1125
2250
Harvest and marketing cost
163
325
Total cost
2010
4,020
Total income
10250
20,500
Net income
7865
15730
Recovery
430%
Note: Farmers own labor cost was ignored, US$1=Tk.55
Table 3.3: Social Profile of the Thai Pangus Farmers, in Narayangonj District
Number of Fishers Involved 3
Forming a cooperative farming system
Family Size
5-7 per family
Education level
High School to university fisheries income using for children education
Major occupation
Business
Secondary occupation
Fish farming
manual labor also contribute
Income from fish per year
$500-$700
approximately, as they did not keep clear
records of the income sources
Number of worker used
2
Wage labor
Household consumption
Little amount by angling
Choice of species for family consumption
does not allow them to eat only cultured
pangus
Aquaculture training
Once only
no formal training received
Social linkage
Good
a social network has been established though
cooperative fish farming

2.5 Input supply

2.5.1 The inputs used in fish farms are dependent on the species cultured and the culture systems.
However, some of the input supplies are common in all the systems. Fertilizers and supplementary feeds
are supplied in all the farms where semi-intensive culture technology is used. Fertilizers are inorganic
such are urea, TSP and organic such as cowdung. For feeds, locally available ingredients are generally
used in carp ponds but the pangus farms are entirely dependent on industrial supplementary feeds. Animal
offals, slaughterhouse wastes and household wastes are also used in catfish farms. If properly integrated,
poultry industries can be a potential base for developing catfish farm, mainly Thai pangus. Seeds of both
carps and catfish are collected from hatcheries.
2.6 Technical problems
2.6.1 Based on meetings with hatchery owners and nursery operators the major problems facing hatchery
and nursery operators are as follows:
Non-availability of quality Broodstock that is not inbred nor hybridized with other species.
Timely availability of fish fry is a great problem. Fish growing season starts March-April, but this
time fish fry is not available and the price is too much higher. The peak fish fry production is
July-September. So farmers loose worm fish growing period for at least 3-4 months.
Difficulties in obtaining various supplies including inducing hormones (HCG, PG, LRHA, etc),
Fisheries pesticides (Dipterex), various other chemicals.
A lack of up-to-date information on fish culture technique. On the other hand, fish farmers
literacy level also very low. So they cannot contain the fishery training properly.
The ponds are not constructed for fish culture purpose. So the most of the ponds are irregular
shaped and scientific fishery management can not done properly.
Inbreeding is a great problem for fish farmers. They always complain that their fish growth rate is
lower due to inbreeding problem.
Feed quality is a problem. Protein requirements are 30-35% or more of the diet with 10% of that
being made up of fishmeal. Feeds now manufactured in Bangladesh do not meet these criteria.
The major impacts of poor quality feed will be on growth, food conversion ratios and the general
economics of culture systems.
2.7 Institutional arrangements
2.7.1 Several public institutions are playing key role in fisheries production and distribution sub-sectors.
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MOFL) of the Government of Bangladesh has overall responsibility
for management and development of national Fisheries Sector. Key fisheries institutions and their
mandate are shown in Table 4.

Sl.#
1.
2.
3.

4.

Table 4: Key fisheries institutions and their mandate

Title of institution
Mandate
Department of Fisheries (DoF),
Extension of fisheries technology in inland water,
Bangladesh
conservation of marine resources, quality control and
fisheries resources management
Bangladesh Fisheries Research
Developing appropriate technology for sustainable
Institute(BFRI), Mymensingh
aquaculture and management of fisheries resources and
enhancement of fish production in the country
Bangladesh Fisheries
Development and management of marine fisheries as well as
Development Corporation
Kaptai Lake, marketing of fish, fishing in high seas by its
(BFDC) Dhaka
own trawlers and establishing a fish landing harbor at
Chittagong which has since been done.
Marine Fisheries Academy at
Imparts education and training in navigation, marine
Chittagong
engineering, trawler operation, and fish processing and gear
technology

3.0 Marketing and distribution

3.1 Fish traders generally control the fish markets and the marketing of fish, either individually or as
groups, or Fish Traders Associations or Fishers Cooperative Societies. Almost all fish markets operated
by them are ill managed, unhygienic and unscientific. There is no proper handling, washing, cleaning,
icing or re-icing of the fish. They care very little for post-harvest management of fishes, being more
interested in earning more revenue. Most fish markets managed by fish traders in cities and urban areas.
3.2 Almost 95% of fishes are selling fresh while a few numbers of species sells live. Anadromous species
and marine fishes are also sells as dry fish. Labeo ruhita (Ruhu) fish is the most popular and one of the
expensive species in the city (average $1.5/kg). Fishes are sold to the consumers fixing the price by piece
considering its size and estimated weight instead of using weighing and fixed price per kilogram. Due to
lack of packaging and storage facilities, fish price is comparatively lower at the producer level.
3.3 City markets built by the City Corporation offer better facilities, but are not managed according to any
standards. City fish markets are usually a part of the general market. There is no special or modern fish
landing centres run by the City Corporation or by the private sectors.
3.4 The fish market and marketing system in Dhaka City is varied and complex. In terms of volume,
value and employment, the fish market in Dhaka is great. The market annually handles over 100
thousands metric tons of fresh fish (250-300 metric tons daily) which worth US$100 million. Dhaka is
also a very big market of dried fish. Everyday 3-5 tons of dried fish is sold in Karwan Bazar and Shampur
dried fish markets. Due to involvement of intermediaries, a large number of people also get employment.
However, inspite of increasing trend in fish culture (production), the availability of fish for Dhaka
dwellers is far below the amount required. It is reported that per capita consumption of fish of people of
Dhaka city is 8.75 kg/yr. Which is far below the Asian average of 25kg/yr (Rahman 1997). The reason is
mainly attributed to the growing population. In Dhaka City, per capita fish consumption is about 25g
daily. The demand is expected to increase fast due to further increase in population. It is likely that the

gap between the supply and demand will also increase in near future. Such a situation would make the
marketing of fish and fisheries products in Dhaka City market easier.
3.5 Marketing systems of fish trade
3.5.1 Four levels of markets or marketing systems are observed in the distribution channel of fish trade
(Figure 1). These are the primary secondary, higher secondary and final consuming markets.
Fig. 1: Fish marketing channel
Primary Market
Collection center/ rural
market within the fishing
area operated by collectors

Collected through brokers (Dalals) by

mahajans/mahajans-cum-aratdars Carried by
headloads/boat to primary market
Carried by small traders called mahajan

Secondary Market
First landing and distribution
center near upazila (sub-district)
headquarters or vital
communication points Operated
by commission agents called
aratdars
Carried by first distributors called beparies
Higher Secondary Market
Second landing & distribution center
in cities/towns. Operated by
commission agents called aratdars
Purchased by second distributors called
paikars
Final Consuming Market
Retail marketing. Paikars sell to retailers
Retailers sell to consumers

Suburban
retailing

Urban
retailing

Rural
retailing

3.5.2 In the course of marketing at all these levels, the collector or distributor carries out the function of
handling, cleaning, sorting, icing, preservation and transportation at his cost as far as possible. Expenses
on such accounts are deducted from the bills of sellers.
3.5.3 There are a total of over 150 fish markets in Dhaka City. These fish markets are of two major types
wholesale market and retail market.
3.6 Wholesale market
3.6.1 There are around 20 wholesale markets and the rests are retail markets. The wholesale markets of
fresh fish are situated at Swari Ghat, Karwan Bazar, New Market, Jatra Bari, Kaptan Bazar, Komlapur,
Mugda, Sham Bazar, Merul Badda, Mirpur 1 and 11, Nondi Para etc.
3.6.2 The major wholesale markets are developed considering mainly the system of communication. The
Jatrabari wholesale market is based mainly on road communication from the east and the southeast areas
to Dhaka. The Jatrabari market is famous for catfishes. In this large wholesale market, 9 markets are
situated side by side. Because supply of fish is huge and the communication system is better, for which
the market is expanding day by day. Fish are usually brought to the market by truck.

An overview of the wholesale market

3.6.2 Swarighat wholesale market is situated at the south edge of Dhaka City on the bank of the River
Buriganga, near the Sadarghat. The market is famous for hilsa and other marine fishes. The market is
equally important for indigenous openwater fishes from the southern areas of the country. The main
modes of transportation are launches, trawlers and mechanized boats. This market was once the largest
fish market of Dhaka City but with serious decline in openwater fish catch and development of roadbased communication systems the market has lost its importance to a considerable extent.
3.6.3 Kawran Bazar wholesale market is situated at heart of the city and developed depending on the
Railway system. Fish comes from many areas of the country. The major supply comes from the north and
northeast areas.
3.6.4 The New Market wholesale market is comparatively newly developed. However, within short
period it has got a wide expansion and is fairly well in infrastructure development. The market is famous

10

for imported fishes. The lion portion of the imported fish is landed in the market and then is distributed
among other wholesale markets. Fish are imported from India, Thailand and Myanmar.
3.6.5 In all the wholesale markets, fish lots start landing from midnight and selling and distribution starts
from 04:00 a.m. At about 10:00 a.m. almost all of the wholesale markets become empty.
3.7 Retail market
3.7.1 The retail markets are completely dependent on the wholesale markets for fish supply. The retailers
buy fish from the wholesalers at the early morning or late night. They sell the fish directly to the
consumers. Beginning at the morning, the retail markets are open up to midnight. Besides the large retail
markets, there are also a good number of small and temporary retailers who sell fish by the sides of roads
and railways. There capital investment for fish trading varies largely. The minimum capital investment is
US$20-1100 while their monthly net income around $30-300. The shop are operating on rotational basis
by at least three persons of which capital is >$200. Several thousands peoples employed and supporting
their families livelihood by the earning from fish trading.

An overview of Retail market

3.7.2 Besides the general retailers, the BFDC of the government also operates a modern fish distribution
and retail center in Dhaka City. The corporation operates half dozen of modern outlets and 50 mobile
shops in the form of rickshaw vans, which sell fish at the important points of the city. A few modern retail
fish shops have also been established in the city and operated by private entrepreneurs.
3.8 Mobile fish traders
3.8.1 Besides the wholesalers and retailers at the fish markets, considerable numbers of mobile fish
traders in Dhaka City take fish from door to door. The mobile traders also buy fish from the wholesalers.
They can be found for round the day but the peak selling period is morning. They sell fish moving from

11

door to door and shouting to attract attention of the consumers. Several thousands youths are involved in
the small fish trading profession. Their capital is US$10-25 and monthly net income is around US$20-30.

Mobile youth fish traders

3.9 Price fixation in fish market
3.9.1 There is no price policy fixed by the government, fisheries cooperatives or by the trade associations.
The price is fixed by supply and demand interaction. In general, fish prices have been increasing faster in
proportion to other commodities. Price of fish varies with the species and size of fish, season of the year
and freshness of fish. In Dhaka City fish market, fish prices have relatively higher than the rural area and
small town. The prices of fish in villages, small towns and nearer to landing centers are at least 20-25%
lower than the prices in Dhaka City. The primary producers hardly get 40-50% of the retail market price
for their products.
3.9.2 In the wholesale market, the main purchasers are retailers. They bought fish by auction. Fishermen
and baperies (local fish collector) generally try to sell fish to retailer in the wholesale market. But most of
the fish farmer and baperies, who have accepted dadan (advanced loan without security), surrender their
fish to the dadanders, who are mostly the owner of the wholesale fish market shops and are called
Aratder. Dadanders/aratders arrange the sale and keep a portion of the sale as a partial payment of the
loan and hand over the balance to the fishermen and baperies.
3.9.3 In the wholesale market, the fish price is usually are set through auction by an aratder. The price is
settled by competition among intending bidders. The highest bidders take prompt delivery of the fish
commodity in exchange of cash payment. Sometimes retailer pays partially to avail the opportunity of
credit subject to approval by the aratder. It depends mainly upon the personal and business relation
between retailers and aratders. Aratders usually charge about 5% of the sale price and also keeps a small
quantity of fish as commission.
3.9.4 Most of the auctioning in Bangladesh is carried out by auctioneers locally called aratdars. They
follow the price incremental system. As soon as the fishers land the fish in the market, the aratdar takes
care of landing, handling, sorting and auctioning by species and size-groups. Even though the openbidding system is the most prevalent one, there are other types of price-fixation systems followed by
some traders associations in some selected markets. In general, the sales systems are as follows:

12

3.9.5 Auctioneers call out the bid by the bidders loudly in the presence of the buyers. The incremental
system is followed. It is the most competitive form of auctioning and ensures better prices for fishers. It
takes place at all levels of fish marketing, excepting retailing. The auctioneer gets a 3-5% commission on
sales value plus his actual expenses.
3.9.6 In the retail market, fish price is usually set through bargain by a retailer and consumer. In the retail
market, fish price depends on quality or grade of fish, availability, species, size and season. Consumers
assess the grade of fish considering mainly the freshness of fish as a critical factor. The freshness is
examined by eye observation, roughly looking at the reddish colour of gills, sinking of eyes, general
appearance of fish by pressing fingers in different parts of the fish body, and sometimes by smelling.
Being aware of the desires of consumers, retailers often put artificial red colour on gills or the body of
fish and persuade consumers to buy inferior quality of fish by giving a false appearance of freshness to
fishes.
3.9.7 Direct fish marketing: BFDC operates direct fish marketing in a limited. It sells its share of
freshwater fish from its Kaptai Lake and Dhaka City waterbodies (D.N.D. and Gulshan Lakes) projects
traders in Dhaka. It also buys fish from Government aquaculture projects in Jessore district. Recently, t
has begun to procure fish from private sector aquaculture farms and fish traders and market in Dhaka city.
3.10 Seasonality in fish market
3.10.1 There is strong seasonal affect in fish supply to the Dhaka City. During winter season, most of the
floodplain becomes dry. The fishers and owner of the floodplain catches all the fish from floodplain and
sells to the local middlemen of which major portion come to Dhaka city. The fish price comparatively
lower in the season. During monsoon, hilsa dominates the fish market and summer mainly depends on
aquaculture products and dry fish. Dry fish import has been active during summer.
3.11 Dry fish market
3.11.1 The only wholesale market for dried fish is located at Kawran Bazar. The market is considerably
larger but very poor in infrastructure development. The main modes of fish transportation are train and
truck. The major part of the dried fish comes from the south and southeast regions of the country. Fishes

Farmers drying fishes

from these areas are mostly marine. In dry season, large quantities of marine fish are dried in Baishdia,
Kutubdia, Sonadia of Greater Chittagong district and less valuable dried fish comes from Dubla island of

13

Khulna district. Chaktai of Chittagong is the main transit point where dried fish from all corners of
Chittagong and Khulna are aggregates. Then they are distributed to different places.
3.11.2 Freshwater dry fishes are supplied from areas dominated by haors and beels such as Sylhet,
Greater Mymensingh, and Greater Rajshahi areas. The most lucrative items in the dried fish markets are
salted dried hilsa and shidal shutki (specially fermented small sized silver barb). Slated dried hilsa comes

An overview of dryfish retailers

from Greater Barisal and Chittagong District and shidal shutki from Greater Comilla District, Greater
Mymensingh and Gazipur District, and Greater Faridpur District. Good quality dried shrimps come from
Greater Khulna District. A total of 4-5 tons of dried fish are sold everyday in the market. There exists
seasonality in availability of dried fish; prices also fluctuate accordingly. Peak production period of dried
fish is from December to February and the lowest production is from June to September. Name of the
important dried fish and shrimp species available in the dried fish market of Dhaka City and their price
list are given in Table 5.
3.11.3 Another important portion of the dried fish available in the market is obtained through import from
India through Koshba and Benapol border and Mayanmar through Teknaf border. With the rapid decline
of availability of fish in the openwaters of Bangladesh, the proportion of imported fish in the markets is
increasing day by day. Fish traders reported that more than 50% of the dry fish in the market is imported.
Table 5: Major fish and shrimp species available in the dried
fish market of Dhaka City and their price
Local name/Common name
Scientific name
US$ per kg
Baim
Mastacembelus spp.
2.18
Chanda
Chanda spp.
0.91
Chewa
0.36
Trypauchen vagina
Freshwater shrimp
Macrobrachium spp
3.64
Foli Chanda
5.00
Pompus argentus
Gazar
2.73
Channa marulius
Hilsa (Salted)
2.25
Anadromous spp
Coral
4.25
Lates calcarifer

14

Gulsa
Kechki (dried only)
Ribbon fish
Kechki (salted dried)
Loita
Phasa
Rupchanda (dried only)
Rupchanda (salted dried)
Shidal shutki (fermented barb)
Shol
Small marine shrimp
Small prawn

Mystus vittatus
Corica soborna
Trichiurus lepturus
Corica soborna
Harpodon nehereus
Setipinna phasa
Pampus Chinensis
Pampus Chinensis
Puntius spp.
Channa striatus
Penaeus spp.

2.18
1.36
2.23
1.82
1.45
1.27
4.55
2.73
1.82
3.64
0.91
0.36

4.0 Environmental issues related to aquaculture

4.1 As in the other parts of the country, aquaculture in Dhaka City has been suffering from acute
environmental pollution. The openwater ways have been used by people for dumping all kinds of waste
produce by human. Disposal into water ways is a very ancient practice of dealing wastes (Klein, 1962).
The rivers and streams of Bangladesh have been receiving untreated wastes from various sources. These
include industrial effluents, domestic organic wastes (sewage), run-off containing toxic agrochemicals
and oil and petroleum substances. The openwaters of Bangladesh are heavily polluted from these
potential sources. The situations are far more critical in areas near cities and towns, particularly near
Dhaka City. Many of the toxic chemical ingredients including heavy metals are reported to recirculate
back and accumulate into human bodies through fish and other edible aquatic organisms. the residual
effects of such chemicals are supposed to be damaging to human physiology in the long run.
4.2 Industrial effluents have been most vital source of water pollution around Dhaka City. The
waterbodies, around the city, everyday receives a surprisingly high load of potential pollutants. The major
industries are tanneries, paper and pulp mills, rayon mills, fertilizer factories, pharmaceuticals, jute mills,
textile mills, sugar, dying factory, steel mills, rubber and plastic industries, chemical industries, fish
processing industries, oil refineries, food industries, machine tools factories, soap factories etc. most of
these industries do not have waste disposal and treatment plants and thus discharge untreated wastes and
effluents which find their way directly or indirectly into water bodies. One can easily experience such
industrial units releasing unquantifiable amounts of wastes making lives of surrounding people unhealthy
in areas like Hazaribagh, Demra, Narayangonj, Adamji, Savar, Manikganj, Keranigonj, Tongi, Gazipur
and some other areas.
4.3 The most potential threat to the waterbodies near Dhaka City are the tanneries. At present, there are
>300 tanneries at Hazaribagh in Dhaka. About 16,000 m3 of harmful toxic effluents are disposed
everyday from these tanneries. The major polluting chemicals form tanneries includes dissolved arsenic,
sodium sulfide, lime, ammonium sulfate, sulfuric acid, dissolved and non-dissolved salts and solids, and
heavy metals, particularly chromium. it is reported that chromium concentration in the Buriganga River
has 60 times the tolerate level. The dissolved oxygen concentration has been so minimum that the water
can no longer hold living organisms sustainably. All these are responsible for drastic loss of fisheries
resources around Dhaka City.

15

Table 6. Pollution (BOD5) load from industries in and around Dhaka City
Location

No. of
industries
Hazaribagh Tannery Area
151
Tejgaon Industrial area
61
Dhaka-Narayangonj Industrial 53
Belt
Tongi Industrial area
29
Shitalakhya Industrial Belt
30
Scatterd
4
Total
328

Effluent
(m3/day)
13,000
3,000
3,500

Pollution (BOD5
load, kg/day)
19,000
4,500
5,000

5,000
5,500
1,000
31,000

10,000
9,000
1,500
49,000

In Dhaka City, the pollution load of human excreta was estimated to be 250 ton/day in 1988, which has
reached to about 490 ton/day in the year 2000.
5.0 General Discussions and Conclusions
5.1 The fish production systems, fish marketing and distribution and related activities in Bangladesh have
undergone rapid changes during the last decade. A number of new trends in all aspects of fish culture,
indigenous and export-import marketing of fish, consumption pattern, seasonality pattern, species
composition in fish markets, dry fish production and marketing as well as in openwater fisheries in
Bangladesh can easily be observed. Significant changes have also been observed in peoples innovation
and perception on fish and fisheries. All these trends and changes are of vital importance to be considered
for the development of fisheries. This section deals with the important trends observed during the study as
well as with the major problem areas and probable suggestive measures.
5.2 The most important recent trend in fish marketing is the import of fish from different countries. Rohu
(Labeo rohita) and Thai pangas (Pangasius suchi) are the main species imported from India, Thailand and
Mayanmar respectively. Besides, some other fishes (e.g., Boal, Walago attu) including some small fishes
(e.g., Koi, Anabas testudineus) are also imported and exported as well. Fish are imported both legally and
illegally. About 40-50 tons of fish from different countries are imported daily by the wholesalers of the
New Market only. This amount stands for more than one third of the total fish supply in this market. This
picture is also true for some other large markets as well. The wholesalers informed that large-scale fish
farms have been developed in India and Thailand based on Bangladesh as their major market. Imported
fish are, therefore, key factor controlling fish markets in Dhaka City.
5.3 Another important trend can be observed in changing the modes of transportation. The traditional fish
transportation systems were once boats, launches, trawlers and mechanized vessels and trains. Large-scale
fish catchers from marine or inland openwaters used to transport the iced fish in trawlers or mechanized
boats. Catches from small-scale fish catchers were collected by the local Aratdars and are transported by
launches or trains. Fish from floodplains, beels and haors were transported by this mode. These traditional
patterns have been replaced to a great extent by truck and bus due to the development of road
transportation systems. The changes in the mode of transportation have increased the importance of some
markets while decreasing others. For example, the Swari Ghat wholesale market, which was once the

16

largest fish market in Dhaka city has lost its glory to a great extent, rather, Jatra Bari, Kawran Bazar and
New Market have taken its place.
5.4 The supply of fish in the markets has been found to show a continued declining trend. Wholesalers
from Thatari Bazar reported that total supply has declined by 40-50% as compared to the supply of past
ten years. This decline can be attributed to the damage of natural production of openwater fishes. To some
extent, losses in natural fish have been recovered by cultured fish. The supply of farmed fishes in the
market has been increased 2-3 times that of past ten yeas. However, this increase in farm production
cannot keep pace either with losses in openwater fish production or with increasing population of the city.
Fish traders stated that the supply of fish is so insufficient that they never need to store fish. As a result,
almost all fish market in Dhaka City lack any storage facility.
5.5 Interesting trends were observed in seasonally and species composition of fishes in the markets which
also influence the price. In the late summer and monsoon, fish markets are dominated by farmed fishes
and plenty of hilsa. Fish prices are usually high at that time. At the start of winter, plenty of indigenous
openwater fishes particularly floodplain fishes increase the amount of fish in the market with consequent
decrease in price. For the last few years, the supply of hilsa decreased tremendously, creating more
pressure on farmed fishes. Interestingly, farmed pangus has been playing a vital role in filling the gap
created by shortage hilsa. During the study, about 60-70% of the market was found to be occupied by
farmed pangas, both indigenous and foreign.
5.6 An important trend observed in peri-urban aquaculture in Bangladesh is sewage-fed fish culture
system practiced in some areas around Dhaka City, which, so far known, is new in Bangladesh. Public
toilets are build up on large ponds by the owners or lease holders. Besides the private-owned legal fish
farms, illegal fish cultures at the mouths of the sewage disposal systems of the city have also been
reported recently. Major species include pangus along with carps and tilapia. Very high stocking densities
are maintained with minimum inputs and management efforts. Ponds are always eutrophicated and
blooms are common. Per unit production is fairly well. Although possesses considerable prospect in
Bangladesh, fish culture with raw sewage should be critically attended from aesthetic and public health
point of view. Cage and pen cultures in floodplains around Dhaka City are almost newly introduced and
growing rapidly. These practices are important because fish produced in pens and cages are thought to
play roles in lowering the overall prices of farmed fishes.
5.7 The fisheries sector is still unorganized and remain uncoordinated and the operational and marketing
aspects are individual based beset with middlemen problem. The problems of middlemen and inadequate
marketing opportunities have deprived the fish producers of their due share of economic benefits. Thus
they belong to an economically and socially backward section.
5.8 The fishers share and marketing margins in fish sold in Dhaka were analyzed for freshwater fish like
Hilsa (River shad), Ruhi (Carps) and Sin ghi (Heteropneustes fossiles) and the following were the results:
Fishermens share in consumer price
Middlemens share in consumer price
Expenses
Net income after expenses
Share of collectors

51-63%
37-49%
12-24%
24-26%
14-35%

17

Share of distributor
Share of retailer

16-20%
5-10%

5.9 Marketing facilities of fish and fishery products in Dhaka City are still in a poor shape. The market is
completely in the hand of traders and intermediaries, they hardly think of developing infrastructure
facilities. In Dhaka City, private entrepreneurs have developed certain infrastructure facilities in the forms
of space, shade, platform etc. but the system is yet to be developed for proper management, cleanliness
and sanitation and upkeep of the facilities.
5.10 In Dhaka City, the facilities in the wholesale fish markets are generally inadequate for handling of
highly perishable commodity like fish. The City Corporation operates most of the retail markets. Except
for few cases, the condition of Dhaka City retail markets are also not satisfactory with regard to stall,
parking, sanitation, water supply, drainage, cleanliness and management. BFDC runs a modern fish
distribution and retail centre in Dhaka City with a half dozen of modern outlets and 50 mobile shops in
the form of rickshaw vans, which sell fish from door to door. A few modern retail fish shops have also
been established recently by private entrepreneurs in the city.
5.11 The level of exploitation of the fish producers and fishers by traders (intermediaries), cooperatives
and associations is highly discrete, controversial and undesirable. The opportunities for exploitation of
fishers by fish dealers, especially those who have extended loan facilities exists throughout the
distribution chain for unfair dealings. The common occurrences observed in the landing and marketing
places are under weighing, misquoting prices for the auction and wrong placement of the graded fish.
Occurrence of such malpractice prevails in nearly all markets. Such exploitations are common in all
stages of the distribution channel and appear to hinder the development of fish farming and fishing
industries.
5.12 Fish Inspection and Quality Control Services of the DoF has the total responsibility for inspection
and quality control of all fish and fish products meant for export as well as for sanitary and hygienic
conditions in fish processing plants. However, it has no responsibility to oversee the fish quality in the
city markets. The Dhaka City Corporation through its sanitary inspectors has the responsibility to assure
the quality fish and food, hygienic management of markets but they seldom do so. Recently, various
national dailies reported that sewage aquaculture products contains heavy metals which detrimental to
health.
5.13 High quality dried fishes are also exported from Bangladesh to UK and some other European
countries. However, dried fishes imported from different countries are reported to have poor quality.
5.14 An institutional framework is essential to upgrade the fish supply, storage and market management.
Private entrepreneurs could be encouraged to invest in this lucrative business and nationally important
sector.

18

Annex 1

Table 4. Fish species available in wholesale and retail markets

in Dhaka City with their prices
Local name

Scientific name

African magur
Air
Bacha
Baga-Air
Bagda chingri
Baila
Baim
Bata
Bheda/Meni
Bhetki
Boal
Buguri
Carpio
Catla
Chanda
Chapila
Chela
Chewa (red)
Chewa (white)
Chital
Dhela
Foli
Gagora
Gang tengra
Gaura
Gazar
Golda chingri
Gonia
Grass carp
Gutum
Ilish
Kajali
Kakila

Clarias gariepinus
Mystus aor
Eutropichthys vacha
Bagarius bagarius
Penaeus monodon
Glossogobius guris
Mastacembelus spp.
Cirhinus reba
Nandus nandus
Lates calcarifer
Walago attu
Mystus sp.
Ciprinus carpio
Catla catla
Chanda sp.
Gudusia chapra
Salmostoma bacaila
Trypauchen vagina
Gabioides rubicundus
Notopterus chitala
Rohtee cotio
Notopterus notopterus
Arius sp.
Ganata viridescens
Clupisoma gaura
Channa marulius
Macrobrachium rosenbergii
Labeo gonius
Ctenopharyngodon idella
Lepidocephalus guntea
Hilsa sp.
Ailia coila
Xenentedon cancila

US$ per KG
Wholesale
Retail
market
market

0.55-0.64
1.27-1.64
1.27-1.64
1.45-1.82
9.09-14.55
1.09-1.64
0.91-1.82
1.27-1.64
0.91-1.27
1.09-1.45
1.09-1.82
0.64-0.82
1.27-1.45
1.45-1.64
0.73-0.82
1.09-1.36
0.73-0.82
0.73-0.82
0.73-0.82
1.45-3.64
0.91-1.27
1.09-1.45
0.64-0.91
1.45-2.18
1.09-1.45
0.91-1.27
3.64-14.55
1.45-1.82
0.73-0.82
1.09-1.27
1.09-3.64
1.27-1.64
0.91-1.09

0.73-0.91
1.45-2.36
1.45-1.82
2.18-2.73
9.09-16.36
1.45-2.18
1.27-2.73
1.45-2.18
1.09-1.45
1.18-1.82
1.27-1.82
1.09-1.45
1.64-1.82
1.82-2.18
0.91-1.09
1.27-1.45
1.09-1.27
1.09-1.27
1.09-1.27
1.82-4.55
1.27-1.64
1.27-1.82
0.82-1.09
1.82-2.91
1.45-1.82
1.09-1.45
5.45-18.18
1.64-2.36
0.91-1.09
1.27-1.45
1.45-4.00
1.45-1.82
1.00-1.27
19

Local name

Scientific name

Kalibous
Kechki
Kholisa
Koi
Lakhua
Local pangus
Loitta
Magur (local)
Maitta
Mola
Mrigal
Pabda
Poa (fresh water)
Poa (marine )
Punti (local)
Ranga koi
Rita
Rui (imported)
Rui (local)
Rupchanda
Samudra koi
Shing
Shol
Silver carp
Taki
Tengra
Thai pangus (imported)
Thai pangus (local)
Thai sarputi
Topsay

Labeo calbasu
Corica soborna
Colisa fasciatus
Anabas testudineus
Polynemus indicus
Pangasius pangasius
Harpodon nehereus
Clarias batrachus
Amblypharyngodon mola
Cirhinus mrigala
Ompok pabda
Poma poma
Johnius argenteus
Puntius sp.
Lutiganus johnii
Rita rita
Labeo rohita
Labeo rohita
Pampus spp.
Lobotes surinamensis
Heteropneustes fossilis
Channa striatus
Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Channa punctatus
Mystus sp.
Pangasius suchi
Pangasius suchi
Puntius gonionotus
Polynemus paradiseus

US$ per KG
Wholesale
Retail
market
market

1.27-1.45
0.91-1.27
0.91-1.27
1.64-2.73
0.55-0.73
2.18-3.64
0.55-0.73
1.82-5.45
0.64-0.82
0.73-0.82
1.09-1.27
1.82-4.55
0.82-1.00
0.73-1.45
0.91-1.27
0.91-1.45
0.73-0.91
1.18-1.36
1.45-1.64
2.18-2.91
1.09-1.82
1.64-4.55
1.09-1.45
0.64-0.73
0.91-1.09
0.91-1.45
1.36-1.45
1.27-1.36
1.09-1.27
1.09-1.45

1.82-2.00
1.27-1.82
1.09-1.64
1.82-3.64
0.73-0.91
2.55-4.55
0.73-1
2.18-5.45
0.73-1.09
1.09-1.27
1.45-1.82
1.82-5.45
0.91-1.27
0.82-1.82
1.09-1.45
1.27-1.82
0.91-1.27
1.64-1.82
1.82-2.18
2.55-3.64
1.27-2.18
1.82-5.45
1.27-1.82
0.91-1.09
1.09-1.45
1.27-2.18
1.64-2.18
1.45-2.18
1.64-1.82
1.27-1.82

20

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21