Adoption and Economic Impact of Cold Storage Facilities in the Fish Value Chain in West Bengal
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Author: Abhijit Das, Sugandha Kashyap, Nivedita Deka and Debjani Das
Author Address: School of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, Girijananda Chowdhury University, Tezpur-784 501 (Assam), College of Fisheries, Assam Agricultural University, Raha, Nagaon-782 103 (Assam), College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785 013 (
Keywords: Cold storage adoption, farm income, post-harvest losses, sustainable development.
JEL Codes: D24, D40, O13, Q13, Q18.
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.
Description
Indian J Econ Dev, 2026, 22(3), 584-591
https://doi.org/10.35716/IJED-26017