Quantitative and Qualitative Post-harvest Loss of Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha)

This study was conducted in aims to assess the quantitative and qualitative post-harvest loss of hilsa. The data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire from fishers (n=100) in Mahipur and Patharghata fish landing center. Hilsa fish samples were collected from four different stages (fishermen, aratdar, wholesaler and retailer) of supply chain. The study found that 50% fishers replied their fish has been spoiled 300-600 kg per year, 26% fishers said more than 600 kg and rest of 24% fishers replied it was spoiled less than 300 kg per year. There are so many reasons of post-harvest loss of fish. In this study 54% fish spoiled due to inadequate ice and insulated container, 26% fish spoiled due to high pressure during transportation, 14% fish spoiled because of inadequate storage facility. 24% spoiled by predator fish, 22% spoiled for damage during transportation, 18% for delay marketing, 10% fish spoiled for harmful fishing gear and 6% for long time fishing. The higher quality deterioration occurred when it passed through higher number of supply chain actors. This study revealed that both in Patharghata and Mahipur, better sensory quality with lower defect point (1.22 ± 0.52 and 1.41 ± 0.63) observed in fresh hilsa than other sources. Therefore, improved post-harvest handling practices should maintain to minimize the quantitative and qualitative losses of hilsa, thus to achieve food security for fishers and food safety for the consumers in home and abroad.