VALUE CHAIN STRUCTURE AND MARKETING EFFICIENCY OF CHILIKA LAGOON FISHERIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR PRODUCER REALIZATION

Abstract

Chilika Lagoon, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a designated Ramsar wetland, supports the livelihoods of nearly 0.2 million fishers through capture fisheries. Despite substantial fish and shellfish production, concerns remain regarding the share of the consumer’s price realized by primary producers. This study analyzes the structure and performance of the fish marketing system in Chilika during 2018-19, with emphasis on marketing channels, price spread, transportation modes, and producer’s share in the consumer’s rupee. Primary data were collected through field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and examination of railway booking records, supplemented by secondary information from the Chilika Development Authority. Total landings during the study period were 11,618.05 tonnes, of which 6,139.13 tonnes (52.84%) were marketed outside local consumption centres through road and rail networks, with road transport dominating. Six distinct marketing channels were identified, ranging from direct fisher-to-consumer sales to multi-layered channels involving money lenders, commission agents, wholesalers, and retailers. Producer’s share exceeded 20% across major fish groups, with the highest share in direct channels and the lowest in longer intermediary-driven channels. Shorter channels were associated with higher marketing efficiency and improved producer realization.