An Economic Analysis of Production and Value Chain Dynamics of the Fish Sector in West Bengal: 25390
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https://doi.org/10.35716/IJED-25390
Author: Abhijit Das, Sugandha Kashyap, and Debjani Das
Author Address: School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara-144 411 (Punjab)
Abstract
Fish farming is an important driver of rural livelihoods and food
security in West Bengal, India, yet the sector struggles with high input costs,
transport bottlenecks, and post-harvest losses. This study, conducted in East
Midnapore and North 24 Parganas, covered 450 stakeholders across the fish value
chain. Analytical tools, including cost-benefit analysis, value chain mapping,
and regression modelling, were applied to assess efficiency and profitability.
Results showed production and marketing costs of ?109.6 per kg, a net profit of
?50.2 per kg, and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.46. Technical efficiency was
moderate (0.78), while marketing efficiency stood at 1.27. Post-harvest losses
were estimated at 9.8 per cent. Regression analysis indicated that
profitability declined with greater market distance and higher input costs, but
improved significantly with access to cold storage and participation in
contract farming. The results suggested that enhancing access to cold storage
facilities, encouraging contract-based marketing, and strengthening local
market linkages can substantially improve farmer returns and reduce operational
inefficiencies. Institutional support focused on infrastructure and market
coordination is therefore essential for sustaining growth in the fisheries
sector of West Bengal.
Keywords: Cold storage, contract farming, profitability
determinants, sustainable livelihoods.