1
West Coast of Bangladesh
Prepared by
FAISAL MAHMUD JOARDER MS from Agrotechnology
KHULNA UNIVERSITY
Reviewed by
SATCHIDANANDA BISWAS SATU
Assistant Director
SHUSHILAN UZZAL KUMAR KARMAKER Project Coordinator REE-CALL, Shushilan
CRAB (Scylla serrata) Natural Breeding Technology
December
2014
2
Particulars Page No
Content 2-3
List of Tables 3
List of Figures 3
1 Part A
1.1
1.2
1.3
Background
Methodology
Objective and rational
5
2 Part B: Market scenario 9
2.1 Market size 9
2.1.1 National crab production 9
2.1.2 National Sales volume 9
2.1.3 District level annual crab production and sell 10
2.2 National export of crab from Bangladesh 10
2.3 Market price 11
2.3.1 Grading and pricing 11
2.3.2 Month wise price variation 12
2.3.3 International influence for price variation 12
2.4 Market trend 13
2.5 Scenario of depot markets 14
2.6 Market actors 14
2.6.1 Mud crab catchers 14
2.6.2 Collector or Middle man (Foria) 15
2.6.3 Fatteners 15
2.6.4 Depot Owners 15
2.6.5 Local Agent for the Exporter 16
2.6.6 Exporters 16
2.6.7 Retailers 16
2.7 Value chain of crab (entire market system), GAMM 16
2.8 Challenges in entire market system 17
2.8.1 Problems Reported by Crab Marketing Operators in Bangladesh. 18
3 Part C: Production/cultivation scenario 20
3.1 Local production 20
3.2 Technology used and farming 20
3.2.1 Culture Techniques of Mud Crab 20
3.2.1.1 Site selection 20
3.2.1.2 Dike building 21
3.2.1.3 Crab pond 21
3.2.1.4 Crab pen 21
3.2.1.5 Culture practice 22
3.2.2 Steps followed during crab culture 22
3.3 Community engaged in production 30
3.4 Production amount and seasonality 30
Table of Content
3
3.5 Environmental impacts 31
3.5.1 Impact of seed collection on the ecosystem 31
3.6 By-products 31
4 Part D: External Factors 32
4.1 Private sector engagement potentiality 32
4.2 Role of women 32
4.2.1 Different activities in crab farming 32
4.3 Policy gaps 34
4.4 Public bodies (Gov.) and NGOs in Crab sector 35
4.5 SWOT analysis of the Crab sector 36
5 Part E: Recommendations and Conclusion 38
6 Part F: References 40
Number of Table
Name of the table Page no
Table 1 Production trends and contribution of live crab in export market of Bangladesh 9 Table 2 District level annual crab production and sell volume. 10 Table 3 Grading & pricing of male crab (Domestic Market) 11 Table 4 Grading & Pricing of female crab (Domestic Market) 11 Table 5 Number of deports at upazilla and district level of west coast of Bangladesh. 14 Table 6 Sector wise problems for mud crab farming at west coast of Bangladesh. 17 Table 7: The monthly production of mud crab in Shymnagar, Satkhira. 30 Table 8 Seasonal variation in production of mud crab in Shymnagar, Satkhira. 30
Number of Figure
Name of the figure Page no
Figure 1 Increasing trends of production value of live crab. 10 Figure 2 Price varies male crab each month according to market demand and availability. 12 Figure 3 Price varies female crab each month according to market demand and availability. 12 Figure 4 Diagram of general marketing flow of mud crab in west coast of Bangladesh. 13 Figure 5 Crab cultivation in pond at Shamnagar, Satkhira. 20 Figure 6 Average pH value in Shyamnagar, 2013 27 Figure 7 Average DO value in Shyamnagar , 2013 27 Figure 8 Average salinity in Shyamnagar, 2013 28 Figure 9 Average Temp value in Shyamnagar, 2013 28 Figure 10 Average transparency in Shyamnagar,2013 28 Figure 11 Average phytoplankton in Shyamnagar,2013 29 Figure 12 Average zooplankton in Shyamnagar, 2013 29 Figure 13 Average bacterial load in Shyamnagar2013 29 Figure 14 The monthly production of mud crab in Shymnagar, Satkhira. 30 Figure 15 Women found to involve in different activities in crab fattening during survey
period. 34
Figure 16 Showing the participation of women in different activities in crab fattening. 34
Table of Content
4
Part A
5
1.1 Background
Crab any of the members of decapod crustaceans belonging to the suborder Brachyura
with a broad, rather round, upper carapace and a small abdomen tucked beneath the
body living in marine, brackish, or freshwaters. Though they differ from species to species
in size, shape, colour and structure, they closely resemble each other in general
morphology and biology. There are 16 different species of crab in Bangladesh, of which
the common ones are Scylla serrata, Portunas pelagicus, P. sanguinolentus, Charybdis
feriata, Charybdis rostrata, Matuta lunaris, M. planipes, Clappa lophos, C. pustulosa,
Varuna litterata, Sartorina spinigera, Ocypoda cratopthalma, and Gelasimus annulipes.
The six important genera used as food crabs are Scylla, Portunus, Charybdis, Matuta,
Varuna and Sartorina.
Figure1: Different species of crab found in Bangladesh.
Four of these 16 species are of freshwater origin and the rest 12 species are of marine
and /or brackish water origin. The mud crab has assumed an important position among
the different components of export-earning for contribution to the national income of
the country.
The Bangladesh coastal region is 710km long with many different types of coastal and
marine resources such as fisheries, offshore and onshore gas fields and agriculture. It
includes the largest area of mangrove forest in the world. These forest products and
wildlife within these forests are an essential part of the livelihood of the 36 million
BA
CK
GR
OU
ND
6
people living in the region. According to the study, this represents 28% of the total
population of Bangladesh.
There is huge opportunity and availability to generate income source from crab collection
and fattening. Millions of poor fishers, traders and transporters are directly or indirectly
dependent on crab fishery in Bangladesh. There are various types of livelihoods in the
coastal region of Bangladesh such as finfish fishing, shrimp culture, agriculture, wood
collection; shrimp fry collection and crab collection and fattening. In a study it was
noticed that annual income of the crab collectors was less than Tk 90000, where the
lowest annual income of the crab fatteners was Tk. 90000-150000. Natural disasters and
other constraints also affected the livelihood of crab collectors and fatteners in the
southwest region. So, crab collection and fattening are alternative sources of income and
sustainable livelihood for the disadvantaged people in the southwest coast of
Bangladesh.
The mud crab spawns almost throughout the year; the pick season of breeding being
reckoned as the May and June. The life cycle of the species is that it spawns in the deep
areas of the Bay of Bengal. The larvae after being hatched and released by the mother
crabs are drifted by high tide to the estuarine areas of rivers and creeks; the Sundarbans
is the principal area in the greater Khulna, Barisal and Satkhira region acting as the
nursery and feeding ground. The larvae and the juveniles feed and grow in the estuaries
and Sundarbans waters, at large, and at maturity return back to the sea for spawning. At
this cycle of their life at various stages of growth the species gets caught by the
fishermen in the open waters of estuaries and the Sundarbans. The larvae and the
juveniles also enter with high tide into the shrimp culture ghers in the areas where they
feed and grow and at various stages of growth, get harvested as additional product from
the shrimp culture farms.
Although it did not appear to be
important as an export commodity in the
initial years of its production, however, it
started to gain attention of the foreign
markets like that of tiger shrimp. For this
reason, it became imperative to improve
the quality of the wild caught crabs and
the crabs harvested from the culture
farms.
Soft shelled and smaller size crabs do not
fetch higher price in the export market.
Similarly, the female crabs with undeveloped gonads also do not fetch good price in the
international market. As such a significant portion of the catch/harvest is rejected at the
selling depots. The strength of the shell can be easily reckoned by finger pressure while
the fullness of gonads of the gravid females is tested by holding and looking a specimen
Figure2: Life cycle of Mud Crab
BA
CK
GR
OU
ND
7
against a lit electric bulb; the females with fully
grown gonad is opaque while the ones with less
developed gonad are transparent and look
orange in color. Thus, efforts for production of
hard shelled crabs, especially males and females
with fully grown gonads were taken up by the
farmers in the shrimp culture areas of south
western part of Bangladesh. This activity of
producing hard shelled crabs, principally males,
and females with fully grown gonad are called
crab fattening. This is a very quick culture-
venture of 10-12 days; can be done in very small
area of ponds. The activity requires intensive
feeding and close monitoring on the part of the
farmers and with a modest investment of fund,
it has already been emerged as a suitable
technology for a very large group of resource
poor, marginal farmers. The beauty of the
venture has been that a large number of women farmers have been engaged in it.
1.2 Methodology
The study report is prepared on the basis of secondary information mostly. It is also
testified through field based observation, sharing with officers and researchers working
with the crab fattening culture, and reviewing secondary documents such as studies, and
reports on crab fattening culture and breeding technology practiced in different areas.
Different study reports were reviewed to make an authentic shape of the study report.
1.3 Objectives and rationality
The overall objective of the study was to review the potentialities of crab culture
promotion in Bangladesh in the aspect of value chain. The specific objectives were to
review the different studies of crab culture, find out and scrutinize the scope of mud crab
farming, general background of natural breeding technology of mud crab as well as public
and private sectoral engagement, role of women, role of market actors, technical
scenario of crab production/cultivation, value chain and sub-sector inclusionary policy
gap at crab sector in the southwest coast of Bangladesh
Figure3: Scylla serrata dorsal view
(top) and claw (bottom) BA
CK
GR
OU
ND
8
Part B
2. Market scenario
9
2.1 Market size
Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat district is in the south-
western part of Bangladesh also posses the major part of
world largest mangrove forest Sundarban. It is most
important and promising area for mud crab (S. serrata)
culture and fattening, because the availability of wild
crab lings and environmental suitability. Crab lings are
collected from Sundarban areas of Satkhira district and
also from other districts such as Khulna, Patuakhali,
Borguna, and Noakhali. Among all Shamnagar upazilla
under Satkhira district posses the lion share of exported
fattened crab.
2.1.1 National crab production
In our country crab fattening are occurring mainly in two
ways and also very popular to the community people as it is the easiest way and have
vast prospectus among the coastal community.
The present total annual production of crab in Bangladesh stands at about 7428 MTs, the
market value of which is estimated to be Tk. 169.49 Core (Report of National Fisheries
Week, 2014).
2.1.2 National Sales volume
Tk 3.5 billion in 2013-14 financial years.
Table 1: Production trends and contribution of live crab in export market of Bangladesh
Financial Year Contribution of live crab in export
Quantity (mt) Production Value (Crore Tk.)
2006-2007 11.23 15.84
2007-2008 439 8.88
2008-2009 1217 11.98
2009-2010 692 10.41
2010-2011 4485.20 54.11
MA
RK
ET
Figure4: Map of Shamnagar
upazila
Figure5: Crab Culture in Cage and in Pen.
10
Source: DoF, 2012.
Table 1 shows that from 2006-07 to 2010-2011 the quantity of crab export increased
from 11.23 to 4485.20 and its corresponding values increased from Tk.15.84 to Tk.54.11
crores only. The increasing trends of live crab production and its value shown in figure 1.
Figure 1: Increasing trends of production value of live crab.
2.1.3 District level annual crab production and sell
The table below showing the amount of annual crab production and sell of district level
at the west cost of Bangladesh.
Table 2: District level annual crab production and sell volume.
District Year Annual crab fattening /
Production (MTs) Annual sell after fattening/
price (Core in BDT) Satkhira 2010 2100 41.75
Khulna 2011 2654 54.24
Bagerhat 2012 3250 75.14
The demand of crablets to stock 200 ha per crop (the estimated area of mud crab farms
in SW Bangladesh) at 2000-2500 pieces per ha, is 400,000 – 500,000 per crop. If there are
approximately 7 crops per year, then 2.8 m – 3.5 m crablets are required. If the average
mud crabs ‘seed stock weight’ is 115 g this equates to 332 tonnes – 402 tonnes of ‘seed
stock’ required per year. This estimated demand enables the potential for hatchery
production to be evaluated, from an economic and practical perspective.
2.2 National export of crab from Bangladesh A large part of the population of the country, though, do not eat crabs, however, the
country earns a considerable sum of foreign currency every year by exporting crab. China
is the major destination of Bangladeshi crab, accounting for as much as 80 per cent of its
exports and other destinations are Thailand, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore,
the United Arab Emirates, South Korea and in many countries of EU. The mud crab is
exported to many countries of Asia viz., China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and
America and. According to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh exported crab
worth Tk 3.5 billion in 2013-14 financial year. The export volume has jumped about 38
per cent in the last 15 years.
Source: Field survey, 2014
MA
RK
ET
11
2.3 Market price There are several determinants such as seasonal demand and supply, abundance, taste,
seasonal occasions (Chinese New Year, Christ-mass), type and sources of crab, and
influence of agent causing fluctuation in price. Price variation was found according to
grade in different season. At Shamnagar for male crab maximum selling price was found
300-350 taka (XXL) while minimum selling price was 100-120 (SM) in winter. In summer
maximum selling price was found 170-200 taka (XXL) while minimum selling price was 60-
70 (SM). For female crab, maximum selling price was found 350-450 taka (KS1 and F1)
while minimum selling price was 120-130 (F3) in winter. In summer maximum selling
price was found 250-300 taka (KS1 and F1) while minimum selling price was 70-90 (F3).
2.3.1 Grading and pricing Mud crabs are graded in a varied system in relation to domestic and export market. The
grading system also varies with the sex of crab, and bio-physical condition of crabs
landed. The price also differs with market, sex, season, and conditions of crabs. Table 3
and Table 4 shows the grading and pricing of crabs at domestic and export market.
Table 3: Grading & pricing of male crab (Domestic Market)
Sex Grade Weight (g) Claw Shell Price (tk./kg)
Male
XXL >500 Full meat Hard 550-650
XL >400 Full meat Hard 450-500
L >300 Full meat Hard 350-400
M >250 Full meat Hard 250-350
SM >150 Full meat Hard 150
WXXL >500 Partial Developed Soft 220
WXL >400 Partial Developed Soft 180
WL >300 Partial Developed Soft 130
WM >250 Partial Developed Soft 100-130
WSM >200 Partial Developed Soft 80-100 Source: Mud crab marketing system in southwestern region of Bangladesh 2011
Table 4: Grading & Pricing of female crab (Domestic Market)
Sex Grade Weight (g) Gonad Shell Price (tk./kg)
Female
F1 >180 Full Hard 400-800
F2 >180 Partial Hard 200-300
F3 >150 Full Hard 350-400
F4 >80 Full Hard 200-350
KS1 >180 Egg less Hard 200-250
KS2 >120 Egg less Hard 150
VIR >100 Egg less Hard 100
PICH <80 30-40 Source: Mud crab marketing system in southwestern region of Bangladesh 2011
2.3.2 Month wise price variation
MA
RK
ET
12
Price varies each month according to market demand and availability. For male maximum
selling price was found in January-February (XXL) while minimum selling price was found
in August-September (M-SM). For male maximum selling price was found in January-
February (F1) while minimum selling price was found in August-September (F3).
MALE
Figure 2: Price varies male crab each month according to market demand and availability.
FEMALE
Figure 3: Price varies female crab each month according to market demand and
availability.
2.3.3 International influence for price variation
There are many factors affecting the price of mud crab in both the domestic and
international markets, particularly as the supply of crab is mainly dependent on wild
sources. Supplies of exported crabs were also reported by some traders to experience
some sort of seasonality during Chinese New Year and Christmas time when the
international consumption increases greatly, which ultimately affects the price of the
crabs in the international market. Traders and the fatteners also reported that they can
earn higher profits especially during this time.
In addition, when the interviewees were asked about the influence of marketing
operations over the price, the majority of the collectors and farmers claimed their depot
owner had the most influence over price, while conversely, the depot owners felt that
suppliers and exporters had the greatest influence over the price paid.
The main causes of price variation are-
Chinese New Year.
Christmas Eve.
0100200300400500 XXL Buying price
XXL Selling price
XL Buying price
XL Selling price
L Buying price
L Selling price
0
100
200
300
400
500F-1 Buying price
F-1 Selling price
F-2 Buying price
F-2 Sellng price
KS-1 Buying price
KS-1 Selling price
F-3 Buying price
MA
RK
ET
13
Influence over the price at domestic market.
2.4 Market trend There are no official figures available on the total number of intermediaries involved in
mud crab farming and marketing in Bangladesh. However, the number has clearly
increased in the past few years due to increasing demand in the international market.
The marketing channel of the mud crab business in the west cost area was found to be
consisted with the harvester, forias (middlemen), depot owner’s suppliers, agents and
exporters. The trading pattern of mud crab business involved a series of intermediaries
between the harvesters, suppliers, exporters and the consumers. The fishers harvested
crabs from the various wild sources and sold to the small depots or brokers or directly to
the suppliers. The marketable crabs from the small depot owner were sold to the
suppliers or agent of the exporters. The exporter purchased mud crab directly from the
supplier located at the upazilla level. Sometimes, the exporters directly purchased crabs
in cash from the local depots by employing agents. A chunk of the profit was found to be
gone middlemen or brokers. Broker acted as a middleman between the catcher and the
suppliers/depot owners. The rejected crabs mainly under grade and broke claws or legs
were transferred to the local domestic market at lower price. The soft-shell and lean (egg
less) crabs were sold to the local fattener for fattening. Sometimes, the owners fattened
rejected crabs by their own capacity.
Figure 4: Diagram of general marketing flow of mud crab in west coast of Bangladesh.
Crab
Catcher
Collecto
r
Foria
Export
Agent
Exporter Export
Large
Depor
t
Small
Depor
t
Re
jecte
d
Re
jecte
d
Re
jecte
d
Domestic
Market Fatteners
Bro
ken
leg
s
MA
RK
ET
14
2.5 Scenario of depot markets A total of 1811 depots (685 in Khulna, 367 in Satkhira and 759 in Bagerhat) were
identified (Table 5). The size of depots was found to vary from 40 to 320 sq. ft. (average
165.11 in Khulna, 163.25in Bagerhat and 161.17 in Satkhira district) for Katcha (made of
bamboo, bamboo-fence, and by Nypa-leafs with earthen floor), 48 to 900 ft2
(average
189.77 in Khulna, 169.65 in Bagerhat and 187.32 in Satkhira district) for Semi-pacca
(made of bamboo, wood and tin roof with concrete floor) and 40 to 625 ft2
(average
213.35 in Khulna, 192.41 in Bagerhat and 187.32 in Satkhira district) for Pacca (made of
bricks, RCC and concrete).
Table 5: Number of deports at upazilla and district level of west coast of Bangladesh.
District Upazilla No of depot
Satkhira
Shyamnagar 186
Debhata 85
Kaliganj 96
Khulna
Paickgacha 330
Dacope 130
Batiaghata 100
Koyra 125
Bagerhat
Morelganj 125
Sharonkhola 12
Mongla 305
Rampal 317
Total 1811
Source: Feasibility Study of Mud Crab Hatchery in the South-west Coastal Region of Bangladesh, 2011
2.6 Market actors There are no official figures available on the total number of intermediaries involved in
mud crab farming and marketing in Bangladesh. The following major marketing operators
are involved in the marketing of crabs in Bangladesh.
2.6.1 Mud crab catchers
As the mangrove forest in Bangladesh is the main source of mud crabs for marketing, the
crab catcher’s role in these areas has been vital to the supply of crabs to the market.
Usually the crab catchers harvest the crabs from the Sundarban Reserve Forest
throughout the year. From a study, mud crab catcher number found 10000 where 67% of
catchers were found to catch crab from the Sundarban Mangrove forest and 13% of
catchers said that they collect the crabs from banks of river and 12% from ghers and rest
portions found to catch crabs from fattening ponds. Most of the catchers live in remote
areas and, for religious reasons, mostly Hindus are involved in this occupation. Usually
the crab catchers harvest the crabs from the Sundarban Reserve Forest throughout the
year. About 58.3% of catchers were found to catch crab from the forest, while 21.7% of
MA
RK
ET
15
catchers said that they collect the crabs from the forest, banks of river and from ghers.
Only 20% were found to catch crabs from ghers and riverbanks. Most of the women crab
catchers were involved in catching crab from the gher and banks of the river. They
reported it is very risky for them to go fishing in the forest.
Mud crab catchers with small boats usually stay out 7 to 10 days on each fishing trip.
They use very simple type of traps and bait for catching crabs. Their marketing activity is
also quite simple. Most of them had a verbal agreement with collectors or with the depot
owner in which they would sell their catch to that particular man on return. According to
their reports, the collector or depot owner provided loans and equipment to them for
catching crab. As it is impossible for them to get loans from banks and other sources due
to their informal status (no property, operating without permit or un-registered and no
credit history), as well as being difficult and expensive for them to reach the nearest
cities for selling their catch, most of them are bound to sell their product directly to
collectors/depot owners and get a fixed price, usually lower than the market price. A
small part of their catch comes to the retail market and also goes to the fattening ponds.
2.6.2 Collector or Middle man (Foria)
Middlemen or collectors provide the main link between wild mud crabs and the market.
They are locally called Foria. They buy the crabs from the catchers and sometimes also
from the fatteners. Most of the collectors were located in villages nearer to the forest,
doing business on a daily basis. About 73.33% of collectors reported that they usually buy
crabs from the wild catchers and only 26.67% said they collect crab both from the wild
catchers and from the farmers. From the study results, about 45% of them were found to
be involved in a contact with the depot owner, having a similar verbal contact to the
catchers through a loan system and bound to sell their crabs to the depot owner.
2.6.3 Fatteners
Farmers collect the soft shell crabs (water crab) and lean crabs from different depots and
sometimes directly from the middleman and catchers and fatten them for 10 to 21 days.
After this period, all of these previously rejected crabs come again to the landing centre
and go to the local market for domestic consumption.
2.6.4 Depot Owners
Depot owners play an important role in mud crab marketing in Bangladesh, not only by
being the key link between catchers and fatteners, but also through financing the initial
stages of the market chain directly to the catchers and to the middlemen. All of the
surveyed depot owner’s conduct privately owned businesses. Among them 23.3% were
joint ownership and 76.7% found to have single ownership. About 90% were found to
also have a lending business.
All of them have contracted crab catchers or foria. Along with some of the real crab
fatteners, most of the depot owners (100%) were found to have fattening ponds where
they kept their underweight, grade rejected crabs. From the survey, 80% of depot
MA
RK
ET
16
owners reported that they sell their product through the local agent to exporters, while
20% of depot owners sell their crabs directly to the exporter.
2.6.5 Local Agent for the Exporter
These agents collect all the live crabs from small and large depots through depot owner
and send them to Dhaka, from where they will go to the final destination. They have LC
for bank transaction. They collect crabs from different depots then separate grading
wise. Place collected crab into different plastic box and finally export by using mainly air.
Recently one exporter of Chittagong processes the soft-shell crab also.
2.6.6 Exporters
Most of the exporters are residing in the capital. From the survey results all of their
businesses were found to be privately owned, commonly with an average experience of
8.7 years. About 30% of the exporters were found to run their trading with joint
ownership. About 80% reported to export only live crabs. In addition to crabs, 20% of
them were also found to be involved in exporting other live products such as eel fish.
2.6.7 Retailers
Generally the retailers collect the under grade and rejected crabs (which are rejected for
export) from different depots and sell in the local market for domestic consumption.
They also sell the crabs door to door. Out of 20 retailers from different survey areas,
about 25% were also found to have fattening ponds. About 60% reported they usually
buy from the depot and 40% of them said that they collect crabs from both the depots
and from fattening ponds. According to their responses, as the non-Muslim and tribal
people are the main consumers and the quality of the crab in the domestic market is not
so good (mostly broken legs), they are not getting the higher profit. Lack of interest in
consuming crabs in Bangladesh is the main cause of their low profit.
2.7 Value Chain of CRAB The trading of mud crab consisted of a series of intermediaries between the catchers,
depot owners, agents and exporters. In addition to the intermediaries, the exporters play
a significant role in uplifting of price and creating artificial crisis by paying advance money
to the depot owners so that the later can provide dadon to the resource poor crab
collectors. It was seen that 52% of the depot owner took dadon from the local agents of
the exporter. The final price of the product was found to depend on the total marketing
network. The intermediaries took Tk. 50-60/kg for XXL grade crab without adding
substantial value in it. It was also not possible to estimate the extra margin they add by
intentionally under grading the crabs received from the collectors. The value chain
analysis revealed that the value addition at the fattener/farmer step was the greatest
among all other intermediaries suggesting that further technological advancement in
fattening of undersized or soft shell crabs could bring a momentum in crab business.
MA
RK
ET
17
Studies on the value chain analysis revealed that the market chain of the mud crab begins
from the most disadvantaged section of coastal population who collect crab form the
wild and sell to the local traders (locally called depot or Aratdar). Aratdars usually pay
advance money to the collectors in the lean season in a condition that the later will sell
their entire catch to the former at a certain price fixed earlier. The study revealed that
the local Aratder purchased crabs from the collectors or farmers in 2 - 4 grades, while the
distributor bought the crabs from the local Aratder in 8 - 10 grades.
The value addition pattern at the depot level remains almost similar among different
study areas although a small variation was observed. Interestingly, different crab pricing
and marketing channels were observed in greater Khulna regions. Whole sellers in Khulna
used to pay nominal price, hiding the fact that the crabs were being sent to Dhaka for
export. On the other hand, considerable differences in pricing were observed within the
collectors from different areas. Women collectors were found to be more vulnerable to
exploitation by the farias (middlemen) than their male counterpart although they were
the majority.
2.8 Challenges in entire market system According to the focus group discussion with fatteners and traders, several factors as
reported by them are hindering crab trading at west coast region in Bangladesh. Factors
considered to be hindering the trade also varied among the marketing operators. Table
given below showing the major problems faced by the marketing operators in mud crab
business in Bangladesh.
Table 6: Sector wise problems for mud crab farming at west coast of Bangladesh.
Marketing operators Problems Crab catchers Overexploitation
Low price from middlemen Lack of market information
Fatteners Low price from middlemen Lack of demand in domestic market Lack of credit facility from banks Lack of market information
Middlemen Lack of supply during high demand Influence of suppliers over price Lack of market information
Depot owners Lack of supply Lack of credit facility Supplier/Exporter influence over price
Suppliers Lack of credit facility Insufficient supply Exporter influence over price
Exporters Insufficient supply during high demand Depot owner influence over supply Insufficient shipment facilities
Retailers Lack of demand in domestic market
MA
RK
ET
18
Besides lower profit, catchers reported the overexploitation of juveniles and the
environmental degradation as major problems for achieving a higher catch. In addition to
this, the fatteners and the catchers also reported the illegal export of under-weight crabs
to the international market to be detrimental to the industry. This leads to over-fishing of
juvenile crabs from the natural source which in turn endangers the sustainability of the
industry. Another common issue reported by all respondents is the lack of capital or
credit support from the government or nongovernmental banks for crab farming or
trading, while there exists sufficient credit facilities for shrimp farming. However, loan
facilities for crab fatteners, fishers and traders from commercial or government banks is
not available.
Low demand in the domestic market was also reported by the marketing operators as
being a major factor discouraging growth of the industry. In Bangladesh, the social and
religious restrictions on the consumption of crab is hindering the business and prevents
the operators from obtaining realistic prices in the domestic market.
2.8.1 Problems Reported by Crab Marketing Operators in Bangladesh. Mud crab marketing system was found to face a number of problems including poor
communication network between collecting areas and the depots, lack of buyer and
market information, absence of government registration process, insufficient marketing
facilities, absence of local market, social and religious custom, debt return problem, bank
credit problem, involvement of unproductive middlemen, muscle power by local leaders,
demand driven market pricing, grading fraudulence by the depots/exporters, inadequate
space and frequency of air flights to the importing countries, high mortality rate due to
mishandling and poor transport system etc.
The main problem with hatcheries is their inconsistency and the low survival rates of the
larvae, often attributed to the following issues:
Significant variation in the quality of newly hatched larvae from different females.
High mortality rates often occur at the zoea-I stage if antibiotics are not used.
Mass mortality routinely occurs around the time zoea-V metamorphose to
megalopae (often linked to “molting death syndrome”) and again during the
megalopal stage.
Cannibalism at megalopal and early juvenile stages.
Species-specific larval culture conditions. For example there is evidence
suggesting that larval culture of S. serrata is more difficult than S. paramamosain.
Feeds that don’t satisfy the larvae’s nutritional requirement.
19
Part C
20
3 Production/ Cultivation scenario 3.1 Local production The average production of mud crab in the selected area was 711.67 MT/Year during the
year of Sidr and Aila and after Sidr and Aila the average production was 1144.67
MT/Year.
Figure 5: Crab cultivation in pond at Shamnagar, Satkhira.
3.2 Technology used and farming Though there are various species of crabs but in Bangladesh coastal area, the most
suitable and available crab is the mud crab, Scylla serrata. It is also very suitable for
culture. The physical and chemical properties of Bangladesh coastal region is very much
favorable for mud crab farming. In our country at present truly crab culture is not done
we just make them healthy in fattening procedure. So that their price becomes higher in
the international market. But if we culture them in a planning condition, the production
will be high.
3.2.1 Culture Techniques of Mud Crab Cultivation of Scylla serrata, flourishes in the Southeast Asia. In Bangladesh it has not yet
been established commercially, but short term stocking is increasing gradually. However,
now a day we are trying to develop the culture/growout technology from baby crab to
bigger size of crab.
Both mono culture and poly culture can be employed in our west coast mangrove area.
In monoculture system only crab is cultivated in the pond. So the stocking density may be
high. It requires low coast investment. But all the tropic level will not be used. Here no
inter species competition will occur.
3.2.1.1 Site selection
Site should be in the brackish water coastal area.
Muddy bottom of the pond is better for the mud crab.
Water salinity should be low since mud crab grows faster in low salinity waters.
The range of pH will be 7.5 – 8.5.
Dissolve oxygen >4 PPM.
PR
OD
UC
TIO
N/C
UL
TIV
AT
IO
N
Comment [GFR1]: Please clear the inputs market scenario , who are engage with this market? How the farmers are getting the inputs from different source
Comment [GFR2]: Why ? is there any relation of production with disaster?
21
There must be available source of water.
The water can be changed during the high tide.
The place must be saved from natural disasters.
Good security management.
Easy to access.
Good marketing condition.
Nice transport and communication system.
Fry would be available
The supply of electricity must be continuous.
Available of skilled manpower.
Good aeration system.
Better drainage system.
3.2.1.2 Dike building Dike building is a great factor for crab culture. Comparatively the dike must be of 1:2 in
height and length. And the height will be of 4 – 5 feet that the crab cannot escape out. If
we make a barrier with a net it will be very helpful for crab for preventing the escape of
crab.
3.2.1.3 Crab pond The crab ponds are generally small of less than 0.2 hectare in size. Pond construction is
done by minimal digging which provides soil for pond bund. A small island or mound of
soil is left undisturbed in the center of the pond. This is important in providing shelter
and burrow ground for the crab especially during moulting. To prevent soil erosion and
crab escape the pond sides are covered with asbestos cement flat sheets or wooden
planks. The pond is also fenced by using chain-link around the pond bund to prevent
predator entry. An 8 inch elbow PVC pipe is usually installed at the entrance to the
inlet/outlet of the pond drain with the elbow end on the inner side. For ponds that are
located at the high ground, water pipes and water pumps are installed to irrigate the
ponds during the neap tide period when the tide cannot reach the area. Crab burrowing
into the side walls of the pond while the chain link fence is anti predator.
3.2.1.4 Crab pen The crab pen dimensions are normally 18m x 9m with 2.4m high fencing. The high
fencing reduces crab escapes and deters predators especially when the water level is
high during spring tides. The fencing is made of palm (Oncosperma tigillaria) or wooden
plank strips of about 10cm x 4m x 6cm thickness. To avoid crab escape by burrowing, the
strips are piled about 1.5m deep into the soil with practically no gaps inbetween strips.
The high fences are supported by posts at 3m interval and 3 levels of a horizontal cross
beams. The posts and the horizontal cross beams are made of the same palm or
hardwood materials. The cross beams are nailed horizontally to the fencing strips and the
posts at the ground, middle and top level of the fencing. These beams provide support to
PR
OD
UC
TIO
N/C
UL
TIV
AT
IO
N
22
the tops of the vertical strips. Main perimeter drains of about 0.8m wide x 0.8m deep are
usually constructed in the internal area of the pen. While tertiary drains of 0.3m wide x
0.3m deep are sometimes constructed across the pen to connect the perimeter drain. A
perimeter plankwalk is usually constructed within the pen. This is for ease of moving
around and daily management of the pen. In the center of the pen, natural mangrove
vegetation is left intact to provide the natural environment for the crabs to grow.
3.2.1.5 Culture practice
A range of 4-5 small crabs per sq meter are stocked for the culture operation. Both
culture system practice partial stocking over a 1-3 month period. New crabs are usually
added to the culture system during the early morning or late in the afternoon. Typically,
the wild catch fishers deliver their crabs to a central location where the catch is sorted
and small crabs are bought for the culture operations. Regular husbandry for both
culture systems is generally a part-time operation for small farms of less than 0.5 Ha.
Feeding is done once a day during high tides or nighttime. The crabs are fed with
chopped trash fish at 2-4 kg per feeding daily. Feed is placed all around the pond and in
the perimeter drains of the pens for the crabs to collect. For pond culture, regular water
changes are needed; the stale water is drained out at weekly intervals to allow the
pumping or tide driven inflow of fresh salty water into the pond. The crab pens, which
are usually located within the intertidal zones, experience a regular daily flushing as the
tide flows in and out through the small gaps along the fence.
The crabs grow to marketable size in both culture systems in approximately 4-6 months.
The crabs are harvested on a semi continuous basis when they reach marketable size of
between 3-4 pieces per kg with carapace width of more than 9.0 cm. To improve catch
rates for harvesting, the reared crabs are not fed for few days. Harvesting is done during
the high tide using collapsible crab trap or crab lift net.
3.2.2 Steps followed during crab culture
Pond Preparation: Pond can be prepared in two ways, as the dry method and the wet
method. These two methods are described in the next page.
Dry method: At first the pond is drained up totally and is dried under sunlight up to crack
appears. Then the pond bottom is ploughed or tilled to a depth of 5-15 cm. If there is so
much excessive anaerobic reduced sediments in the pond bottom the back layer of the
pond bottom surface is removed at a depth of ½-1 ft. Introducing freshwater and
dewatering until reaching an optimum pH value in the soil does then washing, it is
generally done from March to May. The tilling and flushing the pond bottom lower the
soil content with acid-sulfate soils.
Wet method: When the pond drying is not possible especially in the rainy season this
method is used. Dewatering using pumps lowers the water depth of the pond. Then the
black layer of the pond bottom is mixed with water and removed using pressure washer.
PR
OD
UC
TIO
N/C
UL
TIV
AT
IO
N
23
Then clean fresh water is mixed and the waste is removed in the same way. It is
continued the pond bottom become clear. This method is more efficient than the dry
method and reduces the period between production cycles.
Liming: After the final flush the pond should be drained again and lime applied
immediately. During this time dolomite [CaMg(CO3)2] or agricultural lime (CaCO3) is
used. The amount of lime depends on the soil pH. A lime application chart is given below.
Soil PH Quality of lime (Tones/Hectare)
>6 1 to 2
5 or 6 2 to 3
<5 3 to 5
The lime should be spread over the whole pond bottom and up to the top of the dike. A
large proportion of lime should be spread on the feeding areas and any part of the pond
that have remained wet. Additional lime has to be added once water is added to the
pond
Control of undesirable species: If undesirable species i.e. pest predators or competitors
are present in the pond before stoking, the most effective method of removing them is
to empty and lime the pond again. If it is not possible to empty the pond again, finfish
can be killed by an application of tea seed powder before stoking. The dose is 20 to 30
PPM, but the exact dose depends on the activity i.e. the quality of the tea seed. If tea
seed cake used the pond should not stocked for three days.
Invertebrate pests are difficult to treat and they may be removed physically. The removal
method depends on the behavior relative size of the pest species. By using light source
and large meshed gill nets the swimming crabs may be removed.
Fertilization: Once the pond is filled to 30 to 40 cm. Organic or inorganic fertilizer should
be applied to the pond.
Organic fertilization: Commonly used chicken manure (sun dried chicken manure) at a
dose 1000-1500 kg/hectare. The chicken manure should first be soaked in water for 24
hours and the resulting mixture spread over the surface of the pond. If it is not soaked it
may be blown to the edge of the pond. Fishmeal can also be used but it is more
expensive.
Inorganic fertilization: Generally urea can be used at 20-30 kg/hectare. It should be
dissolved in water and spread over surface of the pond. Wait a few days up to reaching a
greenish watercolor. If the water is not green i.e. plankton is developed greenish water is
added from outside pond that possess healthy bottom and shrimp. The increases water
depth at about 20-30 cm and add 10% of fertilizer. And wait next 2-3 days. Again increase
the water at about 1m. If there some algae produce on the pond bottom the water depth
should be increased so that the sunlight can’t reach on the bottom.
PR
OD
UC
TIO
N/C
UL
TIV
AT
IO
N
24
Watering: After fertilized the pond properly we have to give water in the pond. In this
case we can use shallow machine or rainwater. The deepness of the water in a model
pond must be remaining from 1 to 1.5 meters that means (3-4) feet. In a deep-water
pond the sunlight cannot reach in the bottom layer as a result the production of natural
food of the pond become decreases. On the other hand if the deepness of water
becomes more little the temperature of the water may be increased during the daytime
which is very harmful for crabs, as they do not like sunlight.
Stocking Management: The pre stocking management is now completed. Now it is the
time to stocking the fry. Generally in our country no crab cultivation is done. Crab
fattening is the main tradition. Crab cultures and crabs fattening is not the same thing.
But crab fattening is known as crab culture here. Cultivation means look after the juvenile
crab up to marketable size. But in fattening procedure the adult crabs are which are not
so fatty to get good market price are rear in the pond for 2 – 4 weeks, so that they
become ripe properly and their gonadal development occur. However every corner about
crab farming is discussed below.
Collection of seeds: The term seed is referred to small size crabs of less than 50g for
grow out. Thin crabs of 150 – 200 g for fattening and immature male crabs for berried
female culture. All of these seed are collected from the wild area in December to May. In
this aspect, as only fattening is done in our country so the weight of the seed will be 150
– 200 gram.
Transport of seeds: Megalopas or juveniles are transported as seedstock. Megalopas are
transported in large polyethylene tanks containing seawater with settling substrates for
them to attach. The tank is aerated. Small numbers of megalopas are transported in
polyethylene bags containing seawater and oxygen.
Juvenile crabs are transported in the same manner as megalopas. When they are
transported by air for long distances, juveniles are put on framed sheets of soft clothes
on the bottom of Styrofoam boxes and wrapped in gauze. The frames are placed in
several layers. Styrofoam boxes were always used for transporting seedstocks.
For the transport of seed from grow out pond for fattening procedure is carried out with
their chelipeds tied, being placed upside down in a container at 150 – 200 crabs
(individual weight 175 – 180g) per container measuring 50 cm diameter & 60 cm height.
During transport the crabs should be raised with brackish water of 10 – 25 ppt.
PR
OD
UC
TIO
N/C
UL
TIV
AT
IO
N
25
Acclimatization: It means, make equal of temperature by floating the water bag by which
fry are carried into the stoking pond water for better survival rate of the fry, generally in
evening and morning the fry are stocked. After 1o to 15 days of initial fertilization. Prior
to stocking, the crab seeds if brought from outside, are first quarantined and acclimated
with the water of the production ponds. The crabs seeds are then given a dip treatment
with two percent potassium permanganate solution, in order to safe guard them from
parasitic infections.
Stocking: For fattening procedure the non-gravid female crab is stored 10,000 per
hecter. The average weight of crab will be 175 – 180 grams. Because the crabs of that
weight grow fast they have good survival rate & possess good grade. The cost of which is
more. In fattening procedure the main aim is to occur the gonadal development.
Crab fattening in cages:
Fattening produce fat crab from thin crab.
Crab fattening is carried out in earthen brackish water pond or in shallow lagoons
using floating cage.
These crabs both male and female are cultured for 3 – 4 weeks in the cage or pen
until they gain weight or become fat.
The cage may be made of bamboo, polyethylene net, galvanized wire net or
plastic basket.
The bamboo cage is rectangular, measuring 2 m long, 0.5 m wide & 0.2 m height.
The cage is divided into small compartments. A compartment can accommodate
one crab. The cage is shaded using woven bamboo cover.
Similar arrangement is also applied to plastic basket. The basket is rectangular
measuring & is partitioned into 9 equal compartments which can accommodate
one crab per compartment.
Compared to other culture practice the stocking rate is relatively high. As 40 crabs
/ m2.
As long as the water quality can be properly maintained mortality rate will be very
minimal. 5% mortality is too high in crab culture.
Other types of cage used for crab culture is floating net cage. To prevent the crab
from escaping, wooden sheets are used to partially cover the top side of the net.
In this floating net cage the female and male crabs are cultured separately to reduce
cannibalism. Male crabs grow faster than the female in this type of monosex culture.
Growth rates of male and female in separate nets are1.3g / day & 0.9g / day.
Stocking rate is 80 kg / cage. The crabs are fed with trash fish or shrimp heads at 15 –
20% per day. Feeding frequency is 4 times / day. Culture period is 2 – 3 weeks depends
on the size of the crab stocked. If the size is less than 200g, the culture period will be 3
weeks, while crabs over than 250gram, the period will be around 2 weeks
only.
PR
OD
UC
TIO
N/C
UL
TIV
AT
IO
N
26
Crab fattening in ponds: In Bangladesh generally crabs fattening is done in culturabale
pond in coastal area. Here the farmers use brackish water ponds of 0.1 – 1.0 hacters
lined with bamboo fence and equipped with 2 water gets, peripheral canal and shelter
made of bamboo basket. Water depth in the peripheral canal is about 50 – 60 cm. While
in the pond bottom is mainly 30 – 40 cm.
The pond is equipped with bamboo platform installed near pond dike. The plat form is
placed about 2 – 3 cm below water level. Some times in stead of water gates the ponds
have inlet & out let pipes. Then the water depth will be 50 – 60 cm.
Stocking rate in pond of crab for fattening :
Stocking rate applied is 2 crab / m2 pond area.
Individual size of the crabs stocked is between 150 – 200 grams.
The thin crabs become fat in fattening procedure. So, they must have to get
enough places for locomotion. So no intra species competition will occur.
Food for fattening crabs: Like shrimp mud crabs also a nocturnal feeder. They come out
and move to and fro for different purposes mainly at night. Because they don’t like sun
light. The ideal food for the crab is the combination of 25 % trash tilapia fish & 75% of
chopped stomach of cows or goat. Or 50 % trash tilapia fish and 50 % of cut head of giant
tiger prawn. There must be some fixed time to supply food for crabs. For good fattening
purpose 8 – 5 % of food of the total body weight of the crab is given. 8 % food of total
body weight is given for first seven days. After that only 5 % is require daily. The foods
are given 3 – 4times in a day. In fattening procedure the main objects is the gonadal
development of the female and make the crabs fat. If we maintain good food regulation
within short time the body weight of the crab will increase up to 75% of the previous
body weight.
Monitoring growth: It is a very important factor for any kind of aquaculture, by which we
can get the correct information about the growth and health of our crops. As usual we
have to monitor the health about the growth of crabs. If they have satisfied growth rate
then we will be sure that diseases do not affect them. After 10 days of stocking different
measurement is taken, as their width and length and also their weight. It is done every 2
– 3 day’s interval. For female the gonadal development is observed very carefully. We
can do this by using a bulb of 100 powers. At first we will hold the crab against the
lighting bulb and to if the light cross through the body. If the light does not pass then it is
clear that the gonadal maturation already take place. Generally the ripe crab gathers the
gate of the pond when dewatering.
Health management (diseases and treatment): Scylla serrata, the mud crabs have been
cultivated only for a few years. So there are only a few studies on their diseases. One
disease of adults is ulcer disease caused by Chitinoverous bacteria. Fungi, Eumycetes, kill
many seed crabs. Study of their diseases is very important.
PR
OD
UC
TIO
N/C
UL
TIV
AT
IO
N
27
6
7
8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Days interval (15 days)
Avg pH
Avg pH
3
4
5
6
7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
DO
mg/
L
Days interval (15 days)
Avg DO
Avg DO
The ulcer disease is prevented when mud prepared deep enough for the adults to burrow
in. Seeds are soaked in a solution of malachite green to kill Eumycetes, but prevented
measures against Eumycetes are not yet known.
Water quality management: A lot of animals’ protein is supplied to the pond as the food
of crabs, which cause water spoilage. If this situation occurs the physical and chemical
properties of water may destroy. For this reason the water quality management is very
important for crab farming. The water should be changed by the full high tide in every
full moon and every new moon. The suggested physical and chemical properties of water
of crab farming pond are as follows:-
pH
The pH of both of the study area remained almost uniform and showed a very little
deviation from its average value during the culture period. It was merely changed by the
action of rain, tidal activity, sunlight etc. the value of pH can be shown graphically during
the culture period.
DO
The general value of dissolve oxygen ranges from 4.00-6.00 for suitable culture condition.
The DO value normally depends on temperature, wind action, tidal action etc. the DO
value found on those culture sites during the culture period are given below.
Salinity
The value of salinity mainly depends on temperature, rainfall, tidal effect etc. The value
ranges from 10-15ppt for both of the culture site. The graphs given below will show the
salinity changes in between the culture period.
Figure 6: Average pH value in Shyamnagar, 2013
Figure 7: Average DO value in Shyamnagar , 2013
PR
OD
UC
TIO
N/C
UL
TIV
AT
IO
N
28
5
10
15
20
1 2 3 4 5 6 7Sa
linty
pp
tDays interval (15 days)
Avg Salinity Munshigonj
Avg Salinity
15
20
25
30
35
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Tem
pe
ratu
re 0
C
Days interval (15 days)
Avg Temp
Avg Temp
10
15
20
25
30
35
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Tran
spar
ency
cm
Days interval (15days)
Avg Transparency
Avg Transparency
Temperature
The culture period of Mud Crab in the southwest region of Bangladesh ranges from March
to July. During this period the temperature of these area remains around 30 -35
0C. the
following graph will show the temperature value.
Transparency
Due to regular water exchange through tidal action the water transparency is low in both
of the sites. It mainly depends on turbidity, salinity, rainfall, wind action etc. The values of
transparency are graphically shown below for the two study area.
Phytoplankton
The amount of phytoplankton depends on water quality, the physico-chemical parameters,
sunlight etc. it actually represents the productivity of the ponds. The no. of phytoplankton
found on those study area are shown below graphically.
Fig 8: Average salinity in Shyamnagar, 2013
Fig 9: Average Temp value in Shyamnagar, 2013
Fig 10: Average transparency in Shyamnagar,2013
PR
OD
UC
TIO
N/C
UL
TIV
AT
IO
N
29
Zooplankton
The amount of zooplankton depends mainly on the amount of phytoplankton. Beside other
parameters also affect its availability.
Bacterial Load
Water samples were collected from those study area and the bacterial load is counted in
the laboratories.
Harvesting:
Crabs are collected by hand, spears or hooks at low tide. In addition the gill nets, crab
nets, and crab cages are used. Trammel nets are used for collecting mangrove crabs. In
Okinawa Island simple gill net is used in this purpose.
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
0 15 30 45 60 75 90
no
. of
ph
yto
pla
nkt
on
m
illio
n
Days
Avg Phyto
Avg Phy
0
500
1000
1500
0 15 30 45 60 75 90
No
. of
zoo
pla
nkt
on
m
illio
n
Days
Avg Zooplankton (no./ml)
Avg Zoo
190002000021000220002300024000
0 45 90no
. of
bac
teri
a/m
l
Days
Total bacterial load (Million)/ml Mun
total bacterial load (Million)/ml Mun
Fig 12: Average zooplankton in Shyamnagar, 2013
Fig 13: Average bacterial load in Shyamnagar2013
Fig 11: Average phytoplankton in Shyamnagar,2013
PR
OD
UC
TIO
N/C
UL
TIV
AT
IO
N
30
One type of circular crab net has a rope tied on the frame which is drawn up vertically,
with a bite at the center of the net. A square crab net is also drawn up vertically to
ensure that crabs remain in the net. The most popular gear for harvesting crab is the crab
cage. The crab can catch fully by lowering the pond water totally. For partial harvest we
can also use scoop net. This activity is done only in the peripheral canal near the pond
dike.
3.3 Community engaged in production Millions of poor fishers, traders, middlemen, transporters, small and large depot owners
are directly or indirectly engage on crab fishery in west coast of Bangladesh. There are
various types of livelihoods in the coastal region of Bangladesh such as finfish fishing,
shrimp culture, agriculture, wood collection; shrimp fry collection and crab collection and
fattening. The crab harvest and culture is new alternative livelihoods and have a great
prospect in Bangladesh. Continued increase in export of live mud crab plays an important
role to the foreign exchange earnings of Bangladesh.
3.4 Production amount and seasonality Monsoon season was found to be the peak production time for mud crab followed by
winter and summer season. The highest (739.7MT) and the lowest (157.2MT) production
were found during monsoon and summer season respectively. During winter, the
production of mud crab was 515.1MT in Shymnagar, Satkhira.
Table 7: The monthly production of mud crab in Shymnagar, Satkhira.
Table 8: Seasonal variation in production of mud crab in Shymnagar, Satkhira.
Month Production(MT)
Jan 76.8
Feb 58.3
Mar 37.2
Apr 35.3
May 26.4
Jun 96.7
Jul 142.5
Aug 227.5
Sep 273
Oct 212.6
Nov 137.3
Dec 88.4
Total 1412
Season Production(MT)
Summer 157.2
Monsoon 739.7
Winter 515.1
Total 1412
Figure 14: The monthly production of mud crab in Shymnagar, Satkhira.
Source: Field survey, 2013
Source: Field survey, 2013
PR
OD
UC
TIO
N/C
UL
TIV
AT
IO
N
31
3.5 Environmental impacts Environmental conservation is an imminent task of the national government for keeping
the ecological balance safe and also to save the diversity. Crablets collection, fattening or
Growout of Crab in our country fully depends on the nature. In Bangladesh crab culture
fully depends on the Sundarban. The Sundarban ecosystem is also essential for human
existence, supplying oxygen, absorbing greenhouse gases, regulating weather patterns,
protecting cyclones and providing rich sources of fish, wood and honey. The tiger is an
integral part of the Sundarban ecosystem and its protection is an urgent ecological duty.
Impact of the seed fishery on wild stocks removal of mud crab seed-stock from the wild
can result in recruitment failure for the stock as a whole if fishing pressure is high
enough. This appears to have happened in a range of localities. The impact of the seed
fishery on the wild stocks will depend on the size of the population, the take of the
fishery, food availability and maintenance of the habitat supporting the fishery.
It has been shown that mud crab recruitment can be continuous throughout the year in
some fisheries which may explain why such fisheries can be quite resistant to heavy
fishing pressure. However, few mud crab fisheries have been well researched, so that
changes in baseline variation in crab abundance can be monitored to assess the
effectiveness of management provisions, habitat change or fishing pressure.
3.5.1 Impact of seed collection on the ecosystem
Apart from over collection of mud crab seed-stock resulting in decreased crab
populations in some areas, little appears to have been researched regarding the impact
on ecosystems of this practice.
3.6 By-products Actually in Bangladesh there is no crab meat processing industry. Due to small domestic
market, low local demand and lack of technical knowledge consumers and suppliers as
well as growers are not thought at so large scale. But it’s true that there is huge scope for
developing crab meat processing industry like ‘’Crab meat in canned seafood’’. Now a
day at local level crab shell used as an ingredient of poultry feed but this also not so
developed stage.
PR
OD
UC
TIO
N/C
UL
TIV
AT
IO
N
32
Part D
33
4 External Factors 4.1 Private sector engagement potentiality Have huge opportunities of private sectors engagement at crab production and
processing sector.
Hatchery sector: To produce juvenile crab for culture
Processor: To process soft shell crab, canned or values add after harvesting the crab.
Feed Factory: To produce crab feed of different stages of crab in their life cycle
Packaging industry: To produce different packaging materials, value add aspect.
Financial institute: Loan/credit support to enhance business.
4.2 Role of women
The movement of women in Bangladesh is constrained by different religious and socio-
cultural boundaries; especially the rural women are expected not to move outside the
homestead. This is the main factor for lower involvement of women in income earning
activities compare to men. Women’s involvement in aquaculture is increasing.
However, a little information about women is collected involve in crab farming. And yet,
the most casual observation indicates that women play an integral role in mud crab
farming in Bangladesh. Women are directly involving in mud crab fattening, sometime
they are more likely to be referred to as helpers assisting their husband or other family
members in feeding, stocking, and other pre and post-stocking management.
In a study a total of 150 households from west coast of Bangladesh were randomly
selected for better understanding of crab fattening. The findings revealed that among
them only 74% women were directly involved through their participation with their
families in mud crab farming. However, in mud crab farming, the minority groups of rural
women in Bangladesh are more liberated and are more advanced than the majority
population of the Muslim women.
4.2.1 Different activities in crab farming Women from crab fattening households were found to be carrying out several farming
activities. All women (100%) were involved in applying feed to crabs while only 18.92%
were involved in pond preparation before stocking (Figure A). During harvesting about
64.86% women were found to involve in this activity. While in crab marketing
participation of women was very low, only 33.33% women found to involve in marketing
(Figure B).
Ex
te
rn
al F
ac
to
rs
34
Figure 15: Women found to involve in different activities in crab fattening during survey period.
Figure 16. Showing the participation of women in different activities in crab fattening.
4.3 Policy gaps - Forest & Fisheries sectoral coordination’s: This is one of the very vital points for
crab production and supply chain. At the coastal belt near the Sundarban crab
farming controlled by forest department, whereas at inland fisheries department
control the same sector. So there is a huge gap remaining at this sector. Due to
lack of proper monitoring and realistic policy sometimes proper grading cannot
maintain, catchers and other base line crab producer facing so much barriers,
which hamper the production and international market value.
- Controlling of marketing system: There is no proper controlling of crab marketing
chain. As a result the poor peoples who produce crab facing financial loss.
Sometimes market value degrades due to lack of market control policy. Policy
support can be offered to the crab farmers and traders by the government.
- Values add and value chain opportunities: There is huge scope of upgrading the
value add at different levels. But the farmers are not well trained and they have
no modern technology.
- Though there have crab fattening system but culture process (grow out) of crabs
yet to identified.
Pond Preparation6%
Stocking22%
Feeding36%
Harvesting23%
Marketing13%
Number of Women Farmers
Ex
te
rn
al F
ac
to
rs
35
- Information: Among the catchers, fatteners, forias, deport owners and suppliers
are not well informed about the domestic and international market. Due to lack
information there is a scope of huge profit loss.
- Investment plan of crab processing: The main crab growers are mostly poor
family. Due to low capital, they cannot utilize proper investment plan. They need
to credit facilities but there is no suitable credit system for the growers.
- Crab hatchery set up: Crab hatchery can be established which will be decreased
the pressure of wild resource. Most of the people at coastal belt manage crablets
from river or other wild sources. Sometimes which is not being available. This will
affect the environmental balance. If there any crab hatchery set up then the
collectors can collect depend on their demand.
4.4 Public bodies (Gov.) and NGOs in Crab sector
Name of
public body Roles their products
Engagement
with crab
sectors
Deport
holders
Collection of crab from crab catcher,
collector and supply to exporters,
agent, domestic market, fatteners
etc.
Fresh live crab Strong
Retailers/Foria Collect crab from crab catcher,
fatteners and supply deport and
domestic market
Fresh live crab Strong
Exporter Collect crab from agency, deport and
supply to foreign country.
Fresh live crab Strong
Soft shell crab
traders
Collect soft shell, rejected crab and
supply as poultry feed.
Shell, leg, egg
Financial
institutes
Credit Finance Very few
Tilapia traders Supply crab feed Tilapia as feed Moderate
Bamboo/pata
seller
Provide bamboo cage/box bamboo
cage/box
Moderate
As coastal livelihood opportunity now maximum NGOs are introduced with crab fattening
and production. They also are working to ensure women empowerment and gender
balance with income generating activities.
The most renounced organizations are -Oxfam, DFID-Shree, EC-CWW-Sundari project,
Shushilan, Uttaran, NGF, CREAL, Winrock, GIZ
Ex
te
rn
al F
ac
to
rs
36
4.5 SWOT analysis of the Crab sector
Sector Strength Week Opportunity Threat
Crab
catchers
Availability of
crablets
Overexploitation
Low price from middlemen
Lack of market information
Unavailability of BLC
Market
channel
Value chain of l
products.
Hatchery set
up
Ecological
balance will
hamper
Reduce
availability of
crablets.
Fatteners Environmental
suitability.
Availability of
saline water.
Low price from middlemen
Lack of demand in domestic
market
Lack of credit facility from
banks
Lack of Training
Large scale
Cultivation.
Adopt modern
techniques
Economical loss
Disease attack
Middlemen Availability of
crab catcher
Lack of supply during high
demand
No Govt policy
Influence of
suppliers over
price.
Lack of market
information
Depot
owners
Low price from
grower
Abundant
supply
Lack of credit facility
Supplier/Exporter influence
over price
Growing up
market
demand
Lack of supply
Suppliers Availability of
crab supply
Lack of credit facility
Insufficient supply
Low demand in domestic
market
Transport barrier
Increasing
international
market demand.
Exporter
influence over
price
Exporters Scope of
business
Exports grew
at an average
20% in the
past decade.
Insufficient supply during
high demand
Depot owner influence over
supply
Insufficient shipment
facilities
Growing up
shipment
facilities
International
market failure
37
Part E
38
5 Recommendations and Conclusion If following recommendation can be followed then crab can be an alternative source of
income and sustainable livelihood for the coastal people.
Undertake a detail socio-economic study to determine the importance of mud
crab farming to coastal communities and to demonstrate the growing value of
mud crab farming.
Government agencies and relevant NGOs should run a facilitated consultation
process and workshops to review management arrangements for the country’s
mud crab stocks.
A monitoring program should be established to provide on-going fishery
independent information on the status of mud crab populations.
Hold training courses in processing, packing and handling of mud crabs for
regional dealers and exporters should be held to decrease mortality rates and
improve product quality.
The primary producers need to be integrated with domestic and international
markets by forming collectors' association through GO/NGO initiatives so that the
crab collectors can have an idea about the up to date market price of crab.
The government should invest a part of export revenue generating from crab
trading for market infrastructure development to minimize the post harvest loss.
All intermediate players in crab trading should be brought under a single apex
body or wing of the Department of Fisheries so that the players who do have a
genuine stake should remain in the business.
Institutional intervention is necessary to control conditional trading through
providing pro-poor micro credits facilities to the collectors.
Participatory research should be carried out immediately to address post harvest
handling and live preservation issues of crab and the results should be
disseminated through concerned GOs and NGOs.
Research should also be carried out with regard to the stocking density, optimum
salinity level, feeding and other physiological parameters to develop a scientific
base for fattening and/or rearing of undersized and soft shell crabs so that they
can attain a marketable size/grade within the shortest possible time.
The government and NGOs should come forward to launch a proactive campaign
that would create a local market for mud crab. An export market cannot sustain
on its own for longer term unless supported by a strong local market. Mass
awareness campaign is necessary to educate people that the custom of not eating
crab has no religious or scientific basis.
Re
co
mm
en
da
tio
ns
39
Part F
40
6 References
- Potential of Crab Harvesting and Fattening as Sources of Sustainable Climate Resilience for the Coastal People in SW Bangladesh- WAS - APA13 Conference, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, December 13, 2013.
- Zafar M and Ahsan N, Marketing and Value Chain Analysis of Mud Crab (Scylla sp.) in the Coastal Communities of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum (BFRF)
- Investing in rural people in Bangladesh, Rural poverty in Bangladesh- IFAD/G.M.B. Akash
- Feasibility Study of Mud Crab (Scylla serrata) Hatchery in the South-west Coastal Region of Bangladesh- Satchidananda Biswas, Shushilan, 2009
- Biswas S and Sarower G M (2014) Mud Crab (Scylla Serata) Culture Process: A Livelihood Diversity Of Mud Crab (Scylla Serata) Fatteners In The South West Coastal Region Of Bangladesh, IDRSBFRI Project, Shrimp Research Station, Bagherhat-9300.
- Shelley C and Lovatelli A (2011). Crab Culture in Bangladesh. Food and Agriculture Organization Of The United Nations.
- Ferdoushi Z, Xiang-Guo Z and Rajib Hasan M (2010) Mud Crab (Scylla sp.) Marketing System In Bangladesh. As. J. Food Ag-Ind.3(02), 248-265, ISSN 1906-3040.
- Ferdoushi Z, Xiang-Guo Z (2009) Role Of Women In Mud Crab (Scylla sp.) Fattening In The Southwest Part Of BANGLADESH. Marine Res. Aqua. 1(1), 5-13.
- Mahmud A I and Al Mamun A (2013) Marketing of Mud Crab Scylla serrata (Forksal) from Khulna District to International Markets, European Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Vol.11, ISSN (paper) 2668-3245 ISSN (online) 2668-3547.
- B. M. Shahriar Abdullah-Bin-Farid (3013) The potential of crab harvesting and fattening as sources of sustainable climate resilience for the coastal poor people, MS Thesis, Department of Fisheries Management Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh.
- C. Shelley, YH & CC Shelley Pty Ltd. (2013) Scoping study for mud crab farming in Bangladesh – Part 2.
