Price fluctuations and species diversity across fish markets in Kerala

Abstract

The fish marketing system of Kerala deserves to be highly efficient as compared to that of the country. The demand-supplygap is ironed by the fish arrivals from the other states and there exists huge price variations of fish identified among thelanding centres, wholesale and retail markets of Kerala. The study analysed the price volatilities and species diversity,across different markets. Results of the study suggest that the supply side constraints and the monopsony conditions ofthe fish markets are the major factors responsible for the high price instability. The prices of low value fish species havenot been stable for several reasons and the prices varied depending on species, seasons and abundance of other fish andfishery products. The study suggests that the development of a Fish Market Price Information System (FMPIS) to act asa decision support system would ensure fish market and price information dissemination about availability, accessibilityand affordability of fish which also enables different stakeholders, mainly fishers in identifying target prices or markets;consumers with rational choices about fish availability and traders with inputs for better marketing efficiency. Keywords: Market diversity, Marketing efficiency, Price stability, Species diversity