Rajasthan has enormous water resources for fish production. The southern region of the state especially, Udaipur division contributes significantly to the total fish production of the state. In the absence of regulated market of fisheries, producers are being exploited in this sector. Looking to vast scope of fisheries in the area, it was decided to find out production of fish and to explore the possibilities of market infrastructure facilities and possible strategies in marketing of fish products.
The annual fish production in Udaipur district was estimated at about 1600.11 MT in the year 2017-18. The productivity in terms of kg/ha was maximum in the lake Udaisagar (1680.95) which is far greater than the average of national fish productivity. The productivity of Udaipur waters is well above the national average per hectare. There are three main kind of fishes produced in the area namely, Major carp, Minor carp and Catfish. Mrigal and Rohu was found to be costlier fishes as compared to other breeds. However, the producer price, whole sale price and retail price of Catla, Rohu and Mrigal for above 1 kg weight were having same price i.e. Rs.90.00, Rs.100.00 and Rs. 150.00 respectively. The marketing channel number two i.e. Producers----Wholesalers---- Retailers---- Consumers (30-32% marketing) was found to be the most effective channel (30-32% marketing). The margin of middleman was found highest for selling of tilapia and other fishes weighing more than 1.0 kg as compared to selling of any other fish of lesser weight. Fish arrival in Udaipur city during season is 12-15 quintals of fish per day, while in off season it is decreased up to 50 per cent and remains 5 to 7 quintals per day.
It was observed that harvesting charges alone constitute 15-20 per cent of total expenditure in small scale fish production in Rajasthan. State shall not play any direct role in regulating the price as the market is not regulated and there is a lack of fish processing industries.