Price fluctuations and species diversity across fish markets in Kerala

The fish marketing system of Kerala deserves to be highly efficient as compared to that of the country. The demand-supply gap is ironed by the fish arrivals from the other states and there exists huge price variations of fish identified among the landing 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 of the fish markets are the major factors responsible for the high price instability. The prices of low value fish species have not been stable for several reasons and the prices varied depending on species, seasons and abundance of other fish and fishery products. The study suggests that the development of a Fish Market Price Information System (FMPIS) to act as a decision support system would ensure fish market and price information dissemination about availability, accessibility and 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.