Post-harvest loss assessment of Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) along the value chain in Bangladesh

Hilsa, the national fish of Bangladesh, contributes more than 12 % of the country's total fish production. Considering the species' importance, this study assessed the post-harvest loss (PHL) of Hilsa across the value chain. Data were collected at the landing and distribution chain from 200 fisherman, 40 aratdars (Aratdar-I), 40 wholesalers at landing sites of the Chandpur district, 40 aratdars (Aratdar-II), and 70 retailers at the distribution sites of the Jamalpur district. The results revealed 12.56 % post-harvest losses in the value chains, most of which were caused by quality losses (8.41 %). Along the value chain, fishermen faced the highest losses 5.291 %, followed by 3.813 % in the retailers. These findings suggest fishermen and retail markets are hotspots of spoilage and fish loss. The OLS regression model indicated that inappropriate age and lack of experience of stakeholders, prolonged harvesting time, inadequate washing facilities, fishermen small size group, longer distances between fishing locations and landing sites, lack of proper education and training, delaying auctioning, insufficient infrastructure facilities, longer selling time, and insufficient cooling facilities were the significant factors causing PHL in the value chain. Nutritional analysis revealed substantial changes across the value chain. Moisture content increased steadily, which accelerated the spoilage. A significant decrease in protein, lipid and ash indicated the substantial loss of nutrients after harvesting up to the retail market. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for nutritional composition analyses demonstrated that after the catch, aratdar-I, and boat had higher nutrient levels, while aratdar-II, local wholesaler, and post-transportation had higher moisture and lower nutrient levels. The PC1 accounted 95.92 % of the variation, indicating that handling and storage had significant influences in maintaining nutritional quality. To reduce post-harvest losses, the government must implement standardized practices throughout the Hilsa value chain to ensure food security and sustainability in the Hilsa fishery and boost the economy.