Aquaculture Sector Study Bangladesh

Cultivation and catching of fish are an integral part of the Bangladeshi rural livelihood, given the climatic conditions and rich prevalence of water bodies in the riverine nation. Hence, fish is the most consumed source of animal protein in Bangladesh (58% of total) and continues to rise due to increasing consumer purchasing power. However, in recent years, the aquaculture sector has been growing steadily, due to rising demand and depleting fish stocks in rivers and marine areas. The sector offers promising potential to further food security and private sector development, but there is substantial room for further professionalization from a technical and commercial perspective which will enable the industry to become more sustainable, innovative, and competitive.

LightCastle Partners and Larive International, in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), conducted a study that derives from the Netherlands multiannual strategy 2019-2022 on Bangladesh. The study describes the intentions to conduct market scans to scope (business) opportunities within the sector. This study also aims to map out the aquaculture sector in Bangladesh, increase awareness amongst stakeholders, and offer insights to pave ways for intervention.

The study identifies various areas with potential for further development in the aquaculture sector in Bangladesh. These areas include fish genetics and breeding, disease control, feed quality, post-harvest practices, and supply chain management. The breeding of fish and shrimp, the aquaculture feed market, fish farming, shrimp farming, processing, and end markets are examined in detail.

Key findings from the study highlight the decline in seed quality, the importance of high-quality broodstock in shrimp production, the growing demand for processed fish products, and the geographic distribution of aquaculture production. The study also addresses the challenges and opportunities in different segments of the aquaculture value chain.

The aquaculture feed market in Bangladesh is significant, with both sinking and floating fish feed experiencing steady growth. However, feed quality remains inconsistent due to variations in raw materials. Fish farming in ponds is the dominant production method, while shrimp farming is mainly practiced in extensive polyculture ponds.

Stakeholders identified in the study include commercial feed producers, hatcheries, shrimp farmers, and processors. The study also highlights certification schemes and export markets, with the European Union being the largest importer of frozen shrimp from Bangladesh.

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