DRIED FISH VALUE CHAINS ANALYSIS IN SELECTED LOCATIONS IN SRI LANKA

Dried fish contributes significantly to the national economy in a number of ways, one of which is the reduction of post-harvest losses of fish. It serves as a dish- particularly for the  impoverished in rural areas, as a source of animal protein, expand livelihood opportunities and uses indenting labor in the production process. Being the key determinant of demand, price is crucial on demand and industry performance, which adversely effects on dried fish industry from 2012 pushing dried fish consumption to third place from the second place. It is important to assess the performances of the dried fish value chains to ensure the smooth functioning of the dried fish industry expanding its benefits to the general public including producers, traders and consumers. Therefore, this study aims to identify diverse value chains of selected dried fish varieties, to analyze price variations, market margins and market efficiency at each nodes of dried fish value chains. Further, the study would evaluate the practices (processing/handling) affecting on price of dried fish (value stream mapping) and assess pricing mechanisms towards policy measures. Three main dried fish varieties skipjack tuna (large pelagic), sprats and smoothbelly sardinella (small pelagic) were selected considering the per-capita consumption in Sri Lanka. The study was conducted in Matara, Puttalam, and Jaffna, which represents the highest dried fish producing districts in Sri Lanka. A quantitative data collection method was adopted employing a pretested structured questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to select the processors (n=120). Snowball sampling technique was employed to draw the sample from wholesalers (n=60), retailers (n=60) and consumers (n=120) due to lack of a proper list. Secondary data were gathered from Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute and the Department of Census and Statistics. Data were analyzed mainly using descriptive and inferential techniques. Results indicate the unique value chain for skipjack tuna and sprats. Common processing methods, roles and functions of vaue chain actors were observed for selected dried fish varieties. Analysis revealed a clear seasonality in price variations where the highest dried fish prices were recorded in June and July month. Lowest prices have been reported during the north-east monsoon. Prices of large pelagic dried fish is high during months of January and February. The highest price index (105