Availivility and Marketig Activities of Kuchia (M. kuchia) in South-Western Region of Bangladesh

The present study was done for creating a better understanding of the current marketing activities and trading practices for kuchia. The study area was Paikgacha Upazila in Khulna district and its two large markets; Paikgacha Kuchia market and Kopilmony Kuchia market. The data were collected over twelve months from January to December, 2012 using semi-structured questionnaire among the cross section of marketing operators at Paikgacha. Data were collected from randomly selected 57 marketing operators where 17 were depot owners, 12 collectors and 28 kuchia catchers. Total availability of live kuchia was 18118 Kg at Paikgacha market and 18140 Kg at Kopilmony market. The marketing chain passes through a number of intermediaries: Kuchia catchers, collectors\ foria, small depots, large depots, local agent from exporter, exporter and finally export to the foreign countries. Kuchia marketing was considered as a profitable and feasible business by most of the marketing operators. However, reduced demand in the domestic market was reported by the operators. The social and religious restriction on consumption of kuchia was also reported as a problem that hinders the business and prevents obtaining realistic prices in the domestic market. Most of the kuchia in the domestic market are used as bait for catching crab.