Learning the extent of price volatility is critical to ensure the producer and consumer’s economic welfare. Hence, we have envisioned assessing the price transmission relationship over time among the farmgate, wholesale, and retail markets for the four major aquaculture products, namely Rui, Catla, Tilapia and Pangas in Bangladesh. The Granger causality test examined the causal relationships among the farmgate, wholesale and retail fish prices. The Houck/Ward and error correction approach was also applied to study their price transmission pattern. Results indicate that the retail price leads the wholesale and farmgate price. In most cases, the coefficient of variation decreases as the fish handover from the farmgate to retail levels. Out of 15 pairs of farmgate, wholesale, and retail price-series analyzed, 14 pairs are co-integrated (p < 0.01). Current results also suggest that the price transmission pattern is symmetric in the short run but could be a mixture of symmetric and asymmetric in the long run. This asymmetric price behavior indicates that changes in retail prices do not get reflected fully at both farmgate and wholesale prices, and the transmitted prices may vary according to the retail prices based on their rising or falling pattern.

The aquaculture and fisheries sectors are critical sources of nutrition and employment generation in many developed and developing countries. Hence, any disruptions to these sectors due to the COVID-19 pandemic have a far-reaching impact, leading to a cascading chain of disorder affecting people’s food security and livelihoods. Relating to these fish sectors, we reviewed COVID-19’s implications for the food security of these vulnerable countries. The current study indicated that COVID-19 and its related preventive measures have severely disrupted the fish demand and supply chain by creating considerable fish price volatility. As a result, the vulnerable aquatic communities have adopted several short-term coping strategies, including fish overwintering, delayed fish stocking time, and feeding the overcrowded fish with low-priced food. Since the long-term coping strategies are still unclear, we recommended certain longstanding methods that are likely to safeguard food security and livelihoods if adopted.

Maize (Zea mays) farming presents a promising opportunity in the char land areas of Bangladesh, characterized by shallow lands that emerge as water levels recede in rivers. However, the geographical remoteness of these regions poses challenges for char farmers in accessing fair prices for their produce. This study endeavors to delve into the determinants of maize profitability and marketing efficiency in the char area. Data were meticulously gathered through a structured survey encompassing 200 maize farmers and 40 market actors across four villages in Gangachara upazila, Rangpur district, in 2022. Employing descriptive statistics and multiple regression methods, we aim to analyze the factors affecting maize profitability, assess existing maize marketing chains and costs, and examine maize marketing efficiency in the char area. Our findings underscore the profitability of maize cultivation, with a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.57. Small farms maximize returns, while medium-sized farms benefit from cost advantages despite lower yields, showing a discernible correlation between farm size, higher yields, and profits. Moreover, our investigation reveals that maize profitability is significantly influenced by farm size, seed and fertilizer costs, land preparation, and irrigation expenses. Furthermore, we shed light on the intricate maize supply chain, identifying Chain II (includes Farmers to aratdar to feed mills to Processor) as the most efficient, boasting the highest producer share and the lowest marketing cost. Notably, wholesalers faced the highest marketing costs, amounting to BDT 146 per quintal, while faria (local traders) experienced the lowest costs at BDT 81 per quintal. To enhance maize production, profitability, and livelihoods of char farmers, we urge for government intervention in the form of providing subsidized hybrid seeds and fertilizers to bridge yield gaps across farm sizes, reducing irrigation costs through subsidized infrastructure or collective irrigation systems, alongside easy access to low-interest credit to manage input costs. Promoting direct farmer-to-aratdar sales (Chain II) by establishing cooperative marketing facilities could reduce costs and enhance producer shares. Additionally, improving rural road networks would minimize transportation expenses for farmers, particularly those selling through less efficient marketing chains. These targeted interventions aim to address identified inefficiencies and promote sustainable maize farming practices while enhancing the livelihoods of char communities. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. 28(1): 61-77

The fish farming sector in haor regions of Bangladesh is integral to both local livelihoods and the national economy. This study examined the factors that influence fish farmers’ choice of market in this region, offering empirical insights into their decision-making processes. Using a random sampling technique, data were collected from 450 fish farmers across three upazilas in Netrokona, Kishoreganj, and Sunamganj districts. The multinomial logit model was employed to identify these influencing factors. The analysis revealed that factors such as age, education, access to extension services, and labor availability have negative effects on the selection of secondary markets. Total market loss also negatively impacts the choice of both secondary and tertiary markets. Furthermore, transportation facilities and distance to the market decrease the probability of selecting tertiary markets. In contrast, access to credit facilities positively influences the choice of secondary markets and negatively influences the choice of tertiary markets. Infrastructure facilities have a positive impact on the choice of secondary and tertiary markets but reduce the likelihood of selecting primary markets. This study underscores the importance of effective support systems, investments in education and infrastructure, risk management enhancements, and the promotion of sustainable practices in the local fish farming industry. Policymakers and stakeholders should consider these findings when developing strategies for the sustainable growth of the haor regions’ fish farming sector. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2023) 27 (2): 71-89