SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS OF CARP IN TERAI, NEPAL

In order to examine the supply chain of carp (Rohu Labeo rohita, Naini Cirrhinus mrigala, Bhakur Catla catla, Silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Bighead carp Aristichthys nobilis, Grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella and Common carp Cyprinus carpio) from farm to plate, a study was carried out in three districts of Terai, Nepal namely Makwanpur, Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts. Altogether 102 respondents (20 grow out farmers, 9 fish traders and 5 consumers in each district) were selected randomly for survey from three districts. The survey was carried out from May to September 2016. Data were collected by using semi-structured questionnaire interview of respondents, key informants and field observation. Data were analysed by using One Way Anova followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Market survey showed that carp is sold in two forms, live and fresh forms. Four types of supply chains in live carp and seven types of supply chains in fresh carp were identified. The longest chain included middleman, wholesaler and retailer as intermediaries between farmer to consumer whereas shortest chain was directly from farmer to consumer without intermediaries. Supply chain of live carp was comparatively shorter than fresh carp to minimize fish loss due to handling stress. Grow out farmers in Nawalparasi earned significantly (P<0.05) higher profit of 156±1 Rs/kg than Chitwan and Makwanpur due to higher selling price and low variable costs incurred. In live carp supply chain, middleman received higher margin (34-36%) in three districts whereas in fresh carp supply chain, retailers earned higher profit in Makwanpur (50%) and Nawalparasi (56%), and middleman in Chitwan (50%). Unless infrastructure is well developed for fish marketing, unnecessary intermediaries should be eliminated to reduce post harvest loss.