Adoption and Economic Impact of Cold Storage Facilities in the Fish Value Chain in West Bengal: 26017
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https://doi.org/10.35716/IJED-26017
Author: Abhijit Das, Sugandha Kashyap, Nivedita Deka and Debjani Das
Author Address: Lovely Professional University, Phagwara-144 411 (Punjab)
Abstract
This study analysed the adoption and economic impact of cold storage
facilities in the fish value chain in West Bengal, India. Primary data were collected from 200 fish
farmers, 40 wholesalers, 70 retailers, and 18 cold storage operators located across
two major fish-producing districts. Adoption behaviour was examined using a
binary logistic regression model, whereas the economic impact was assessed using
propensity score matching. The results showed that cold storage users operated
at a larger scale, with higher average production (6,480 kg versus 3,920 kg)
and closer market access (9.6 km versus 18.4 km) than non-users. Access to
institutional credit was substantially higher among users (67.4 per cent)
compared to non-users (31.6 per cent). Cold storage adoption resulted in higher
selling prices (?164.9/kg), greater net profits (?58.6/kg), and lower post-harvest
losses (6.2 per cent). Impact estimates indicated a net profit gain of ?14.5
per kg for adopters. Overall, cold storage adoption enhanced marketing
efficiency and income stability, highlighting the need for policies focused on
credit access, market connectivity, and better utilisation of storage
infrastructure.
Keywords: Cold storage adoption, farm income, post-harvest
losses, sustainable development.