SEASONAL PRICE VARIATION AND MARKET INTREGRATION OF TILAPIA (OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS) FISH IN SOME SELECTED AREAS OF BANGLADESH

A study was undertaken to examine the marketing system and price behavior of tilapia fish in selected areas of Mymen singh district of Bangladesh during the month of March-May 2012. The objectives of the study were to estimate costs and margins, seasonal price variation and to test market integration of Tilapia fish. Primary and secondary data were used for this study. The higher marketing cost was incurred by aratdars and the lowest by retailer. On the other hand, retailers earned the highest net marketing margins. Analysis of market integration shows that Tilapia fish market in Bangladesh was well integrated. The study identified some problems related to economic, technical, marketing, social and natural calamities aspects and suggested some measures for solving these problems. The findings of the study revealed that the marketing of tilapia was a profitable business and some recommendations were provided for the improvement of tilapia marketing in the country.